Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and easy to make? Look no further than this vibrant Chicken Shawarma Bowl! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional shawarma without the fuss of a slow cooker or complicated techniques. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's easily customizable to your taste preferences. Get ready to experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning (or a blend of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
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For the Bowl:
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce (recipe below)
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Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, shawarma seasoning, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
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Prepare the Bowl: While the chicken is cooking, cook the quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
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Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
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Drizzle with Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle generously over the shawarma bowls.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Shawarma Bowls:
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken browns properly and cooks evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Add Other Veggies: Get creative with your veggies! Roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or shredded carrots would be delicious additions to these bowls.
- Make it Ahead: The chicken and quinoa can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Shawarma Bowl: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Shawarma Bowl: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken marinade or tahini sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon-Herb Shawarma Bowl: Substitute lemon-herb seasoning for the shawarma seasoning for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced and healthy meal, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a single serving should contain approximately:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Shawarma Bowls! This healthy meal is sure to become a new family favorite. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its best. Let us know in the comments how you customized your bowls!