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Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

Bold spiced chicken, marinated with warm Middle Eastern flavors, is baked until tender atop a bed of sweet onions, then served over golden turmeric basmati rice. Fresh veggies like crisp romaine, cucumbers, and tomatoes add crunch and color, while a tangy white sauce with lemon and caraway boosts every bite. Top with pickled onions, hummus, and crushed pita chips for delicious texture and plenty of flavor. With simple sheet pan prep and familiar pantry ingredients, this satisfying meal is both quick and crowd-pleasing, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends.

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Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 00:23:06 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of food with chicken and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

Chicken shawarma bowls pack bold spice, juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a velvety white sauce for a dinner that feels both fresh and deeply satisfying. Every bite is full of warm Middle Eastern flavors layered with crisp textures and cool creaminess.

I made this the first time for a weeknight treat and it quickly became my go to for hosting friends everyone raves about the shawarma

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: choose skinless boneless for juiciness and quick cooking look for high quality fresh chicken if possible
  • Lemon: gives brightness and zing juicy lemons yield the best flavor in both marinade and sauce
  • Fresh garlic: adds depth always use fresh cloves for maximum pungency
  • Olive oil: helps the marinade coat evenly and carries the spices use extra virgin if you can
  • Sea salt: enhances all the flavors choose sea salt for clean taste
  • Ground coriander and cumin: these are classic shawarma spices be sure your spices are fresh and aromatic
  • Smoked paprika: gives subtle smokiness Spanish paprika is especially flavorful
  • Turmeric: adds golden color and earthy warmth
  • Black pepper and cinnamon: for a bit of spicy heat and gentle sweetness
  • Yellow onion: adds sweetness and richness slice into half moons for even roasting
  • Basmati rice: wonderfully fragrant always rinse before cooking for fluffy grains choose long grain for best results
  • Mayonnaise: a creamy base for the white sauce kewpie adds extra richness
  • Caraway seeds: offer a unique herbal note crush lightly for more aroma
  • Cayenne and lemon juice: for heat and tang
  • Romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, hummus, pickled onions, pita chips: these add crunch freshness and color choose crisp veggies and ripe tomatoes for best bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Chicken Marinade:
Combine lemon zest olive oil salt pepper garlic cumin paprika turmeric and cinnamon in a large glass bowl Toss in the chicken thighs and coat every piece thoroughly Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours to let those bold spices sink deep into the meat
Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove extra starch Put the rice in a saucepan add the turmeric for golden color then cook according to package directions for perfectly fluffy rice
Roast the Chicken and Onions:
Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Spread onions in an even layer on a sheet pan then lay the marinated chicken thighs right on top The onions will soften and sweeten while the chicken cooks Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the chicken is fully cooked to one hundred seventy five degrees internal temperature Allow it to rest briefly before slicing across the grain for juicy strips
Make the White Sauce:
Stir together mayonnaise lemon juice caraway seeds and a small pinch each of turmeric and cayenne Whisk until smooth and creamy Taste for balance and add extra lemon if you love it tangy
Prep the Fresh Toppings:
Slice the romaine lettuce thinly for easy layering Cut cucumbers into half moons for crunch Halve grape tomatoes for juicy pops Prep any other toppings like hummus pickled onions and pita chips
Assemble the Bowls:
Begin with a scoop of golden turmeric rice in each bowl Arrange the sliced chicken and roasted onions on top Finish with your favorite toppings White sauce cucumber tomatoes lettuce and a handful of pita chips or a dollop of hummus for extra richness
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and rice. Pin
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and rice. | easydiyrecipes.com

Turmeric is my absolute favorite here It gives the rice and marinade that gorgeous color and earthy flavor My kids love helping sprinkle it in Sometimes making extra of that rice leads to the most delicious leftovers for lunch the next day

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken rice and veggies keep well in airtight containers for up to four days Store sauces separately to maintain freshness Reheat chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep it juicy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs chicken breast works as well just watch cooking time for juiciness Greek yogurt can sub in for mayonnaise in the white sauce and smoked paprika can be swapped for regular or sweet paprika in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Assemble shawarma bowls as shown or pile everything into warm pita bread for wraps Add extra pickles or feta cheese for a new twist You can even serve this buffet style so each person creates their own bowl

A plate of food with chicken, rice, and vegetables. Pin
A plate of food with chicken, rice, and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural Context

Shawarma is a beloved street food across the Middle East known for its spiced grilled meats Traditionally cooked on a rotating spit this homemade version brings those signature flavors into the home oven while keeping things simple for weeknight dinners

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the chicken its signature flavor?

The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, which create its bold, aromatic flavor.

→ How can I tell if the chicken is done baking?

Chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 175°F and the juices run clear. Allow it to rest before slicing for juicy results.

→ What type of rice works best?

Basmati rice is preferred for its fluffy texture and slight fragrance. Turmeric is added before cooking for color and flavor.

→ Can I swap out the white sauce?

Yes, Greek yogurt-based sauces or classic tzatziki make delicious alternatives to the creamy white sauce provided.

→ What toppings pair well with chicken shawarma bowls?

Popular options include sliced cucumbers, grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, hummus, and crunchy pita chips for extra flavor and texture.

→ Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate chicken and chop veggies in advance. Assemble bowls just before serving for best taste and freshness.

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Spiced chicken, yellow rice, and fresh veggies served with a creamy white sauce for a vibrant, satisfying dinner.

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 900 g skinless boneless chicken thighs
02 1 lemon, zested and juiced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 60 ml olive oil
05 1 teaspoon sea salt
06 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 0.125 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 0.5 yellow onion, sliced into half-moons

→ Rice

13 540 g basmati rice
14 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric

→ White Sauce

15 120 ml mayonnaise
16 2 tablespoons lemon juice
17 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
18 Pinch of ground turmeric
19 Sprinkle of cayenne pepper

→ Serving

20 1 romaine lettuce heart, thinly sliced
21 2 cups sliced cucumber
22 Sliced grape tomatoes
23 Prepared hummus
24 Pickled red onions
25 Crushed pita chips

Steps

Step 01

In a large glass bowl, combine lemon zest, 30 ml lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and minced garlic. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Step 03

Rinse basmati rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, adding turmeric and a pinch of salt before cooking. Fluff with a fork once done.

Step 04

Place sliced onion evenly on a sheet pan. Arrange marinated chicken thighs on top of onions. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 80°C. Rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice chicken into 2 cm wide strips against the grain.

Step 05

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, caraway seeds, a pinch of turmeric, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.

Step 06

Thinly slice romaine lettuce. Slice cucumbers into half-moon shapes. Halve grape tomatoes.

Step 07

In shallow bowls, add a bed of turmeric rice. Top with sliced chicken and roasted onions. Arrange lettuce, cucumber, tomato, pickled onions, hummus, and crushed pita chips. Drizzle with white sauce before serving.

Notes

  1. For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours if possible.
  2. You may have extra rice; pressure can be adjusted depending on desired serving size.
  3. Kewpie mayonnaise provides extra richness to the white sauce.

Tools Required

  • Sheet pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (in mayonnaise).
  • Contains gluten (if pita chips are used).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 792
  • Fats: 35.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 76.7 g
  • Proteins: 39.3 g