Name: Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Tabbouleh Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend (typically including cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, and garlic powder); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup bulgur wheat; 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup hummus; 1 cup cucumber slices; 1/4 cup pickled turnips; 2 pieces pita bread, warmed

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Introduction

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Tabbouleh. This dish combines juicy, spiced chicken with a fresh, herby salad for a satisfying and colorful meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of delicious textures.

A round bowl filled with several distinct layers atop a white marbled texture. Starting from the left, there is a creamy layer of smooth beige hummus drizzled with golden olive oil. Adjacent to the hummus is a finely chopped green tabbouleh salad mixed with bits of light green cucumber and bright pink onion pieces. To the right of the tabbouleh is a small mound of diced red tomatoes and onions, mixed with green herbs, forming a fresh salsa in the center. On the upper side of the bowl, several slices of dark brown, grilled chicken with a crispy, textured crust and a light beige inside are arranged neatly. The layers show a vibrant contrast of creamy, green, red, and brown colors, all inside a round bowl placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Shawarma spice blend
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic cloves
Bulgur wheat
Fresh parsley
Fresh mint
Tomatoes
Red onion
Hummus
Cucumber slices
Pickled turnips
Pita bread

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken breasts with the shawarma spice blend, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Soak bulgur wheat in water until softened, then drain. Combine it with finely chopped parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, lemon juice, and olive oil to prepare the tabbouleh.
Step 3: Grill the marinated chicken breasts on medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Step 4: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips for easy serving.
Step 5: In serving bowls, place a generous portion of tabbouleh at the bottom. Top with sliced chicken shawarma, a dollop of hummus, cucumber slices, and pickled turnips.
Step 6: Serve the bowls alongside warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and richer flavor.
Add a drizzle of garlic sauce or tahini for extra creaminess and taste.
For a gluten-free option, substitute bulgur wheat with quinoa or cauliflower rice in the tabbouleh.
Adjust the shawarma spice blend to your heat preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and tabbouleh chilled until ready to serve. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Avoid refrigerating the pita bread with moisture as it can become soggy; warm separately when serving.

How to Serve

A round brown bowl filled with four main layers arranged in sections: at the top right, thick grilled chicken pieces with a dark brown crust and juicy inside; the bottom right holds a green tabbouleh salad with finely chopped parsley and bulgur; the middle has a smooth, light beige hummus swirl with a small pool of olive oil and spices on top; the left side contains a colorful mix of diced cucumber, tomato, and pickled red onions with fresh herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought shawarma spice blend?

Yes, store-bought shawarma spice blends work well and save time. Just ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor. You can also make your own blend using spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander.

Is tabbouleh traditionally served cold or warm?

Tabbouleh is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken in this bowl.