Description
Mediterranean spices dance through this Chicken Shawarma Bowl, creating a flavor-packed experience that brings Middle Eastern street food home. Crisp vegetables, tender marinated chicken, and zesty sauce combine for you to savor a quick, satisfying meal that transports senses directly to bustling market streets.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 package Trader Joes chicken shawarma thighs
Grains:
- 1 box Trader Joes chickpea and red lentil risoni
Vegetables and Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 English cucumber
- 1/2 cup olives
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Roast chicken shawarma thighs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Simultaneously cook chickpea and red lentil risoni according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture and draining excess liquid.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine the warm risoni with diced cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber cubes, and briny Mediterranean olives.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grain mixture, then delicately season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the medley of flavors.
- Arrange sliced chicken shawarma atop the vibrant grain base, creating an appealing layered presentation.
- Crumble tangy feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative) generously across the bowl, providing a creamy and sharp contrast.
- Dollop cool tzatziki sauce in the center, allowing it to cascade slightly over the ingredients.
- Garnish with feathery fresh dill fronds, adding a bright herbaceous note and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for guests to customize their zesty profile.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the shawarma spice profile.
- Choose quinoa or cauliflower rice as low-carb alternatives to risoni for gluten-free and keto-friendly modifications.
- Marinate chicken overnight in yogurt and shawarma spices to intensify flavor and create more tender meat.
- Prepare extra tzatziki and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days as a versatile sauce for multiple meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg