Name: Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls: A Juicy Delight with Lemon Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 can Chickpeas, drained & rinsed; 1 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil; 1/8 tsp Kosher salt; 1/8 tsp Black pepper; 1/4 tsp Paprika; 1 lb Chicken thighs; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Kosher salt; 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground; 1/2 tsp Allspice, ground; 1/2 tsp Cumin, ground; 1/2 tsp Turmeric, ground; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Cardamom, ground; 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground; 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground; 1 lemon Lemon zest; 2 tbsp Lemon juice; 2 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil; 1 1/2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tbsp Red onion, diced; 3 tbsp Parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp Wesson Corn Oil; 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 1/4 tsp Kosher salt; 1 lb Marinated chicken (from above); 2 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil; 1 1/4 cups Couscous, cooked ((2/3 cup uncooked)); 1 serving Lemon Chickpea Mayo (from above)

Introduction to Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that you can whip up in no time? Look no further than easy shawarma chicken bowls! Not only are they packed with vibrant flavors, but they also offer a beautiful medley of textures that make each bite a celebration. With tender marinated chicken, crispy chickpeas, and a refreshing salad, these bowls are as satisfying as they are versatile.

Why Shawarma Chicken Bowls are the Perfect Homemade Meal

Shawarma chicken bowls embody the magic of homemade cooking. They are both customizable and quick to prepare, making them ideal for your busy weeknights. Choose your preferred toppings, swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, or adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. Plus, with Wesson Corn Oil enhancing the flavors, expect a delicious outcome every time.

Making your own shawarma chicken bowls means you know exactly what goes into your meal—no hidden preservatives or mystery ingredients! And did you know that cooking at home has been linked to healthier eating habits? It’s a win-win! If you’re looking for an exciting and simple weeknight option, you’ve found it right here.

For more culinary inspirations, check out sources like Healthline discussing the benefits of home-cooked meals for a wholesome lifestyle!

Ingredients for Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Creating easy shawarma chicken bowls is a delightful journey filled with vibrant flavors and textures. Let's break down the essential ingredients that you'll need for each component, making it easy for you to gather everything before you begin.

List of Ingredients for Crispy Chickpeas

1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil
⅛ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika

Crispy chickpeas are a fantastic, healthy crunch that elevates your bowl!

List of Ingredients for Marinated Shawarma Chicken

1 lb chicken thighs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 lemon's zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil

This marinade packs layers of warm spices that will make your chicken irresistibly tender and flavorful.

List of Ingredients for Parsley and Tomato Salad

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp red onion, diced
3 tbsp parsley, chopped
½ tsp Wesson Corn Oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp kosher salt

Fresh and zesty, this salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the rich shawarma flavors.

List of Ingredients for the Complete Shawarma Chicken Bowl

1 lb marinated chicken (from above)
2 tbsp Wesson Corn Oil
1 ¼ cups cooked couscous (about ⅔ cup uncooked)
Lemon Chickpea Mayo (from crispy chickpeas)

And there you have it! With these ingredients on hand, you're all set to whip up some stunning easy shawarma chicken bowls. Enjoy the cooking experience, and savor the delightful medley of flavors you’ll create!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Making easy shawarma chicken bowls at home can be incredibly rewarding, yielding delicious flavors that are far better than takeout! Let’s take you through each step, making this dish both simple and satisfying.

Prepare the crispy chickpeas

The first step to crispy chickpeas is preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F. While it warms up, grab a can of chickpeas, drain, and rinse them. Pat them dry with a towel—this is crucial for that crispy texture!

In a bowl, toss your chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of Wesson Corn Oil, ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika until they’re fully coated.
Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice until they’re golden and crispy. Delicious!

Marinate the shawarma chicken

Next, let’s focus on marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the marinade ingredients that include:

1 lb. chicken thighs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, allspice, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, cardamom, and black pepper
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of Wesson Corn Oil

Mix everything well and toss the chicken thighs in there until they’re evenly coated. Now, let the flavors mingle—30 minutes is great, but for the best results, let them marinate overnight if you can.

Cook the marinated chicken

Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook! Heat 2 tablespoons of Wesson Corn Oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add your marinated chicken thighs, cooking for about 4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remove the chicken and let it rest for a bit—this ensures all those savory juices are locked in.

Make the parsley and tomato salad

While your chicken rests, let’s whip up a refreshing salad to lighten our easy shawarma chicken bowls. In a small bowl, mix together:

1 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons of diced red onion
3 tablespoons of chopped parsley
½ teaspoon of Wesson Corn Oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
¼ teaspoon of kosher salt

This salad will add freshness and a burst of color to your dish!

Assemble the shawarma chicken bowls

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Start by spreading two big dollops of lemon chickpea mayo into each serving bowl.

Add 1 ¼ cups of cooked couscous evenly into the bowls.
Roughly chop your cooked chicken and divide it between the bowls.
Finally, sprinkle the parsley salad and crispy chickpeas generously on top.

Voilà! Your easy shawarma chicken bowls are ready to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the explosion of flavors, and feel free to share this recipe with friends who love good food just as much as you do!

Variations on Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Shawarma Chicken Bowls with Quinoa

For a nutritious twist, try easy shawarma chicken bowls with quinoa instead of couscous. Quinoa is a protein-packed supergrain that adds a delightful nutty flavor and boasts a host of health benefits. Simply cook quinoa according to package directions and layer it in your bowl under the marinated chicken. This version is perfect for a post-workout meal, keeping you satisfied and energized!

Vegetarian Shawarma Bowls with Grilled Veggies

Looking for a meatless option? Switch things up by creating vegetarian shawarma bowls with a colorful array of grilled veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant marinated in shawarma spices can be grilled to perfection. Pair them with creamy tahini sauce instead of the chicken, and you've got a fulfilling dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. Check out sites like Minimalist Baker for more veggie inspiration!

Experiment with these variations to keep your meals exciting while enjoying the deliciousness of shawarma!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Tips for Marinating Chicken Effectively

To ensure that your chicken thighs absorb all those delicious spices, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—but if you have more time, letting them sit overnight in the fridge works wonders. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Consider using a resealable bag for even coverage and easy cleanup!

Notes on Achieving Crispy Chickpeas

For crispy chickpeas, ensure they are well-dried after rinsing; excess moisture can prevent that satisfying crunch. Roasting at a high temperature—425°F is ideal—allows them to crisp up beautifully. Tossing them halfway through baking helps achieve an even, golden color. Need some inspiration? Check out tips from Serious Eats on roasting chickpeas, and you’ll be munching on these tasty bites in no time!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Pairings with Pita Bread and Dipping Sauces

Transform your easy shawarma chicken bowls into a delightful feast by adding warm pita bread on the side. This not only offers a fantastic way to scoop up all those delicious ingredients but also adds a comforting texture. Consider serving with classic dipping sauces like tzatziki or hummus for that Mediterranean flair. A drizzle of extra lemon sauce can elevate both the chicken and dips, creating an explosion of flavors.

Serving Ideas for Meal Prep Purposes

Meal prepping? These Shawarma Chicken Bowls are versatile and perfect for making in advance. Layer the ingredients in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week. This way, your chicken and salads remain fresh and flavorful. You can even mix and match components, pairing the chicken with quinoa or brown rice instead of couscous, depending on your dietary preferences. For added convenience, pack some crispy chickpeas for a crunchy topping that keeps well!

For more meal prep and storage tips, check out this helpful guide from Food Network.

Time Breakdown for Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Preparation time
Getting everything ready takes about 30 minutes. This includes marinating the chicken and prepping your crispy chickpeas.

Cooking time
You'll spend roughly 20-25 minutes cooking the chicken and chickpeas to crispy perfection while your couscous cooks!

Total time
In total, plan for about 50-55 minutes to whip up these flavorful easy shawarma chicken bowls. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner!

For tips on perfecting your meal prep, check out this article on effective meal prep techniques. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Calories

Each serving of these easy shawarma chicken bowls contains approximately 500 calories. This makes them a satisfying option suitable for lunch or dinner without going overboard.

Protein

With about 30 grams per serving, the protein content in these bowls comes primarily from the marinated chicken thighs. It's perfect for those looking to maintain or build muscle.

Carbohydrates

Containing roughly 45 grams of carbohydrates, this meal’s balance of couscous and chickpeas provides energy, keeping you fueled throughout your busy day.

These nutritional facts not only highlight the wholesome ingredients but also show how easy it is to enjoy a nutritious meal. For more insights on healthy eating, check out sources like the Nutritional Guidelines.

FAQs about Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, you can easily substitute chicken breast if that's what you have. Just keep in mind that breast meat cooks quicker and may dry out if overcooked, so aim for a cooking time of around 3-4 minutes per side.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers of your easy shawarma chicken bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the chicken and chickpeas separately, which can last up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for couscous?
If couscous isn’t your thing or you’re looking for alternatives, quinoa or bulgur are fantastic choices! Both grains provide a lovely texture and are gluten-free options. Cauliflower rice is another great low-carb substitute that will still give you that satisfying base for your bowls.

For more ideas, check out this article.

Conclusion on Easy Shawarma Chicken Bowls

In summary, easy shawarma chicken bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal packed with flavor. The combination of marinated chicken, crispy chickpeas, and a fresh parsley salad delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. Give this recipe a try, and savor the delightful tastes of this Middle Eastern-inspired dish!