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Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls with Cucumber Salad Recipe

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Spiced, juicy chicken over fluffy basmati rice with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad in tangy lemon yogurt dressing. Perfect for a vibrant, satisfying weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 1.5 pounds
basmati rice – 1 cup
cucumber – 1 large
ripe tomatoes – 2 medium
fresh garlic – 2 cloves
olive oil – 2 tablespoons
plain yogurt – 1 cup (full-fat or low-fat)
lemon, juiced – 1 large
fresh parsley – 1/2 cup
shawarma spices – 1 tablespoon (see notes for mix)
turmeric – 1/4 teaspoon
broth or water – 2 cups
cumin – 1 teaspoon
ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon
cardamom – 1/4 teaspoon
salt – to taste
fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
black pepper – to taste

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with shawarma spices, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
In a large saucepan, rinse basmati rice and add rice, broth, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
While cooking, prepare the cucumber salad. Dice cucumber and tomatoes into small cubes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and mix with chopped parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk yogurt with a dash of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, then fold into the cucumber and tomato mixture.
Assemble the bowls: place a generous amount of warm rice at the bottom, top with sliced chicken, add the cucumber salad, and garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Shawarma spice mix can be made using: cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. For a halal option, ensure all spices and yogurt are halal-certified.
Rice and chicken can be prepared in advance and assembled fresh.
To store, refrigerate the rice, chicken, and salad separately for up to 2 days.

  • Author: Amelie Harper
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Mediterranean Table
  • Method: Stir-frying and simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg