Speedy Chicken Shawarma Bowl
This vibrant bowl features tender, spiced chicken thigh, served alongside fluffy couscous and a zesty tahini dressing. It's a satisfying and flavourful meal that comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner.
- Total
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Style
- Easy · Middle Eastern
Scale the recipe
Macros per serving
Verify macros · ProCalories
585kcal
Protein
48g
Carbs
45g
Fat
27g
Fibre 7g · Sugar 5g · Sodium 650mg · Batch total 2340 kcal
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs600 g
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Ground cumin1 tsp
- Ground coriander1 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Garlic powder0.5 tsp
- Turmeric powder0.5 tsp
- Cayenne pepper0.25 tsp
- Salt0.75 tsp
- Black pepper0.25 tsp
- Vegetable stock or water250 ml
- Couscous200 g
- Fresh lemon juice3 tbsp
- Tahini4 tbsp
- Cold water3-4 tbsp
- Cherry tomatoes200 g
- Cucumber1 large
- Fresh parsley30 g
- Red onion0.5 small
Method
- 01
Prepare the Chicken Marinade5 min
Slice the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into approximately 1 cm thick strips. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp of olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 02
Cook the Chicken8 min
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook in two batches. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and slightly charred at the edges. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 03
Prepare the Couscous7 min
While the chicken cooks, bring the 250 ml vegetable stock or water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, remove from the heat and stir in 0.25 tsp salt. Add the 200 g couscous, stir briefly, then cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and let it stand for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork.
- 04
Make the Tahini Dressing3 min
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, and 3-4 tbsp of cold water. Start with 3 tbsp of water and add more gradually until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- 05
Prepare the Salad Vegetables5 min
While the couscous steams and dressing is made, quarter the cherry tomatoes. Dice the large cucumber into approximately 1 cm cubes. Finely chop the fresh parsley. Thinly slice the half red onion.
- 06
Assemble the Bowls4 min
Divide the fluffy couscous evenly among four serving bowls. Arrange the cooked chicken strips over the couscous. Scatter the prepared cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion around the chicken.
- 07
Garnish and Serve3 min
Sprinkle each bowl generously with the fresh chopped parsley. Drizzle the creamy tahini dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately.
Pair it
Chef's tips
- For extra flavour, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Ensure your frying pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This creates a lovely sear and prevents the chicken from stewing.
- Don't overcook the chicken; thigh meat remains juicy but can dry out if cooked for too long. Look for an internal temperature of 74°C.
- For meal prep, keep the chicken, couscous, and dressing separate, combining just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.