
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
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
- 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
Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, spices, and lemon for at least 30 minutes.
30 min
- 2
Roast at 220°C (425°F) until charred at the edges, about 25 minutes, then rest and slice.
25 min
- 3
Cook the basmati rice and prepare pickles and salad.
15 min
- 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
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
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.
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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