Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Garlic Sauce & Pickled Onions

Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean Fusion
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

For the Pickled Onions:

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Sauce (Toum-style):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt, to taste

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous

• 1 cup chopped cucumbers

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup shredded lettuce or arugula

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
   Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Make the Pickled Onions:
   In a small jar, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
   Add sliced onions, submerge them fully, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. They’ll turn vibrant pink and tangy.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Grill method: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.

   • Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
     Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.

4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
   In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Adjust to taste — add more garlic for extra punch or lemon for more tang.

5. Assemble the Shawarma Bowl:
   In a serving bowl, add your base (rice, quinoa, or couscous).
   Arrange sliced chicken on top.
   Add cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled onions around the bowl.
   Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta and parsley.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm pita bread or naan for dipping.

• Add a spoon of hummus or baba ganoush on the side for a full Mediterranean platter.

• For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Pair with a chilled mint lemonade or Ayran (yogurt drink) for authenticity.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for different versions.

• Add roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables to make it more filling.

• Marinate and grill chicken in bulk — it’s great for meal prep.

• For a creamy twist, mix tahini into the garlic sauce.

• To make it spicier, add a touch of harissa or chili flakes to the marinade.

🌍 Mediterranean Story

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl brings the magic of street-side shawarma — spinning rotisseries, sizzling meat, and fragrant spices — into a wholesome, modern meal.
Originating from the Levant region (Lebanon, Syria, and Israel), shawarma has become one of the most beloved dishes across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Traditionally, the meat is stacked on a vertical spit, slowly roasted, and shaved off into warm pita wraps. In this modern American adaptation, it’s served deconstructed — a bowl bursting with color, nutrition, and balanced flavor.

The U.S. has embraced shawarma culture in recent years, especially in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where Mediterranean fast-casual eateries serve it as a protein-packed, healthy option.

Every bite combines juicy, spiced chicken with creamy garlic yogurt, crisp vegetables, and tangy pickled onions — a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that showcase why Mediterranean food is celebrated for both health and taste.

A Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowl isn’t just a meal — it’s a flavorful journey from Beirut to Brooklyn. 🌍🥙✨