Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Lebanese
Medium

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Yogurt-and-spice marinated chicken roasted until caramelized, sliced over rice with garlicky toum, pickles, and fresh salad for a complete bowl.

By Palate Palace Kitchen

60 min4 servings
Allergen Warning
Dairy

About This Recipe

This vibrant Lebanese chicken shawarma bowl offers a delicious, gluten-free dinner that brings classic Middle Eastern flavors right to your table. Standard shawarma is typically cooked on a vertical spit, but this clever home version achieves a wonderfully authentic character by roasting marinated chicken thighs at a high temperature. The result is succulent, tender meat with those coveted charred edges that define the traditional street-food experience.

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the yogurt-based marinade. Greek yogurt acts as an excellent tenderizer for the chicken thighs, while a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and fresh lemon juice infuses the meat with a bright, deeply savory flavor profile. For the best results, do not rush the marinating process; letting the chicken sit in the spiced yogurt mixture for at least thirty minutes is essential for developing the dish's signature depth.

Assembling these bowls on a bed of fluffy basmati rice makes them perfect for meal prep, as the components store beautifully. To elevate the final dish, serve the sliced chicken alongside crisp pickles, a fresh salad, and a generous dollop of toum, the traditional Lebanese garlic sauce. Any leftovers can be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator, making for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner later in the week.

Ingredients

4 srv
  • 700 g Chicken thighs
  • 120 g Greek yogurt
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 whole Lemon
  • 300 g Basmati rice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, spices, and lemon for at least 30 minutes.

    30 min

  2. 2

    Roast at 220°C (425°F) until charred at the edges, about 25 minutes, then rest and slice.

    25 min

  3. 3

    Cook the basmati rice and prepare pickles and salad.

    15 min

  4. 4

    Assemble bowls with rice, sliced chicken, toum, pickles, and salad.

    5 min

Nutrition Facts

560

kcal

Calories

42

g

Protein

52

g

Carbs

20

g

Fat

3

g

Fiber

640

mg

Sodium

Rate This Recipe

Beverage Pairings

Great pairings balance the weight and flavor of the dish: crisp, high-acid drinks refresh rich or fried food, a touch of sweetness tames spice, and light dishes suit light-bodied drinks. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options can shine.

Wine, Beer & Spirits

Wine
Dry Rosé· France

Dry rosé is remarkably versatile across savory dishes. Enough structure to stand up to a rich, hearty dish.

Serve well chilled (8–10°C).

Non-Alcoholic

Soft Drink
Sparkling Water

A clean, neutral refresher that suits almost any dish. Enough structure to stand up to a rich, hearty dish.

Serve cold with a citrus twist.

Tea
Green Tea· East Asia

Light and palate-cleansing — a safe, refreshing choice. Enough structure to stand up to a rich, hearty dish.

Steep at 75–80°C for 2 minutes.

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