Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe

A Chicken Shawarma Bowl is the perfect blend of hearty, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. This dish combines the savory and spiced flavors of chicken shawarma with the freshness of vegetables, the creaminess of tzatziki sauce, and the richness of feta cheese. With the convenience of using pre-cooked Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs and a choice of grains like chickpea and red lentil risoni, this recipe offers a quick, healthy, and delicious meal.

The vibrant combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and fresh dill creates a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken and tzatziki, while the addition of feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the bowl. It’s a meal that’s as tasty as it is customizable, with options to make it dairy-free and gluten-free, allowing it to cater to different dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, the Chicken Shawarma Bowl is sure to become a go-to recipe for flavorful, balanced meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With the convenience of pre-cooked chicken shawarma thighs and quick-cooking grains like risoni, this dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

2. Full of Flavor

The bold spices in the chicken shawarma, the creamy tzatziki sauce, and the briny olives and feta cheese all combine to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, whether that’s opting for a gluten-free grain or a dairy-free option.

4. Nutritious and Balanced

Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the grains and vegetables, and healthy fats from the olives and feta, this bowl offers a balanced and nutritious meal.

5. Fresh and Refreshing

The fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and dill bring a light, refreshing contrast to the richer components of the dish, making it perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs (cooked according to package instructions)
• Trader Joe’s chickpea and red lentil risoni (or grain of choice, cooked according to package instructions)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• English cucumber, sliced and halved
• Crumbled feta cheese (adjust to taste)
• Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh dill, finely chopped
• Olives of choice
• Lemon juice
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy-Free Option

• Replace feta with dairy-free cheese or omit altogether.

Gluten-Free Option

• Use a gluten-free grain like quinoa or brown rice.

Variations

• Add More Veggies: For additional texture and nutrition, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Use Different Protein: While chicken shawarma is the star of this bowl, you can also swap it out for grilled lamb, beef, or a vegetarian protein like falafel or roasted chickpeas.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a drizzle of harissa or top the bowl with sliced jalapeños.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as mint, parsley, or oregano for a unique twist on the dish.
• Swap the Grain: If you’re not a fan of risoni, use quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a different base.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Shawarma

Prepare the Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs according to the package instructions. Once cooked, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Grain

Cook the Trader Joe’s chickpea and red lentil risoni (or your chosen grain) according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice and halve the cucumber. Set both aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl, start by adding a base of the cooked risoni (or chosen grain). Then, layer on the sliced chicken shawarma, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5: Add Tzatziki and Garnish

Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top of the bowl. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the ingredients and garnish with finely chopped fresh dill.

Step 6: Serve

Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma Bowl immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make the Tzatziki Ahead of Time: If you’re making homemade tzatziki, prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together and save time on the day you make the bowls.
• Keep the Ingredients Separate for Meal Prep: If making these bowls ahead of time, store each component separately to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.
• Customize Your Grain: While risoni is a great option, feel free to use any other grain that you prefer, such as quinoa, couscous, or bulgur.
• Add More Protein: If you’re looking for extra protein, consider adding a boiled egg or roasted chickpeas to your bowl.

How to Serve

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even some warm pita bread for dipping. If you want to add extra flavor, you can drizzle additional tzatziki sauce or a bit of tahini over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken, grain, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and grain will stay fresh for 2-3 days, while the veggies and tzatziki are best eaten within 1-2 days.

Freezing

While the chicken and grains can be frozen, it’s best to avoid freezing the fresh veggies or tzatziki sauce. To freeze, store the chicken and grains in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and grains in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to store the tzatziki sauce and vegetables separately and add them once the bowl is reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought chicken shawarma?

Yes, using store-bought or pre-cooked chicken shawarma is a convenient way to save time while still enjoying the authentic flavors of this dish.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The tzatziki can also be made with dairy-free yogurt.

3. Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the risoni with a gluten-free grain like quinoa, rice, or another gluten-free option.

4. What grains can I use instead of risoni?

You can use quinoa, couscous, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.

5. Can I use homemade tzatziki sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade tzatziki will add a fresh touch to the dish, and you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

6. Can I add extra veggies?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, red onion, or olives for more flavor and texture.

7. Can I prep this for meal prep?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls.

8. How spicy is the chicken shawarma?

Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is generally mild in spice, but if you prefer extra heat, you can add chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to your bowl.

9. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, grilled lamb, beef, or even falafel can be substituted for the chicken if desired.

10. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use chickpeas or falafel as the protein, and opt for a vegan tzatziki made with dairy-free yogurt and leave out the feta.

Conclusion

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this bowl is sure to hit the spot. With its customizable ingredients, it can easily be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences, making it a meal that everyone can enjoy.

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