This Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl recipe features tender, shawarma-spiced chicken made with Beituti’s authentic Lebanese sauce. Layered with turmeric rice and fresh toppings, it’s a bold and flavorful way to enjoy a Middle Eastern-inspired meal at home.
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A Flavor-Packed Middle Eastern Meal
If you love bold spices and comforting meals that come together quickly, this Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl is your new go-to. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and rooted in authentic Lebanese flavor.
At the heart of this dish is the Beituti Shawarma Sauce, a handcrafted marinade created by Rawia, a Lebanese home cook and founder of Beituti. The name beituti means “homemade” in Arabic, perfectly capturing Rawia’s mission to bring the warmth of Lebanese home cooking to every kitchen.
Her small-batch sauce is rich with garlic, spices, and deep flavor, making it easy to create shawarma-style chicken without the long prep.
In this recipe, I pair Beituti’s shawarma-spiced chicken with turmeric rice, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of creamy and tangy sauce to bring the whole bowl together. If you're building a quick lunch or prepping for the week, this Middle Eastern Chicken Rice Bowl is full of bold global flavor and heart. You're gonna love it.
What You’ll Love About
- Deeply seasoned chicken thanks to Beituti's bold, garlicky marinade
- Easy turmeric rice that brings warmth and color to the plate
- Fresh toppings that you can mix and match based on what’s in your fridge
- Meal prep–friendly for packed lunches or weeknight dinners
Global Flavor, Homemade Heart
As a global food educator, I love spotlighting small producers who preserve culinary traditions. Beituti isn’t just a brand, it’s a reflection of Rawia's love for sharing her Lebanese culture with home cooks around the world. Using her shawarma sauce in this recipe is a way to honor her story and bring those rich, homemade flavors into your own kitchen.
Recommended Reads
- Spicy Greek Chicken Meatball Rice Bowl
- Easy and Healthy Spicy Turkey Meatball Kale Soup
- Calabrian Lemon Yogurt Baked Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
- How to Cook: Quick and Easy Rice Recipes
📖 Recipe Collection for the Rice Bowl
Overview with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
Marinate the Chicken
Coat chicken thighs in Beituti Garlic Shawarma Marinade.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Sumac Onions
Toss thinly sliced red onions with sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Massaging the onion allows them to break down to absorb the flavors. Then let it rest.
Make the Spiced Rice
Rinse and season the rice with cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon for flavor.
Open the lid to allow the steam to escape, then fluff the rice with the rice paddle.
Make the Lemon Greek Yogurt Dressing
Combine and whisk the ingredients.
Check the consistency to resemble a smooth dressing, then chill in the fridge.
Cook the Chicken
Air fry the marinated chicken.
To prevent dry chicken, let it rest for five minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute instead of pouring out on your cutting board.
Make the Cucumber Tomato Salad
Make the dressing.
Then, gently toss in the vegetables to keep a nice presentation. You can add the cheese when serving.
Assemble the Rice Bowl
Start with rice, add chicken, sumac onions, and salad, then drizzle with Greek yogurt dressing.
Enjoy! And don't forget to leave a review!
Variations
If you’re looking for bold flavors, creamy textures, or extra crunch, these additions and variations will help you create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. And, if you’re making Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma or any other shawarma dish, pairing it with the right sides, sauces, and cooking techniques can take it from good to unforgettable.
Sauce Variations
Remember: if your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or lemon juice for a smoother drizzle.
- Tahini Sauce – Swap the Lemon Greek Yogurt Dressing for a drizzle of tahini sauce blended with lemon juice, garlic, and water for a nutty, creamy alternative that perfectly complements the spices in shawarma.
- White Sauce – For a New York street cart twist, replace the dressing with white sauce—a tangy, slightly sweet blend of mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
- Tzatziki Sauce – Cool things down with tzatziki, a refreshing Greek sauce made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill, adding a creamy contrast to the warm spices.
- Garlic Sauce (Toum) – The ultimate Lebanese garlic sauce, made with garlic, lemon juice, oil, and salt, adding a bold, creamy kick to every bite.
Classic Shawarma Sides
- Pita Bread – Use soft, warm pita to wrap your shawarma, scoop up hummus, or simply enjoy as a side. To keep your pita soft and warm, wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.
- Hummus – A creamy, smooth chickpea dip that pairs perfectly with shawarma wraps, rice bowls, or as a side for dipping pita bread.
- Tabbouleh – A fresh, herb-forward parsley and bulgur salad bursting with lemon juice, tomatoes, and mint for a bright contrast to the spiced chicken.
- Pickled Vegetables – Try pickled turnips, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, or cauliflower, and even hot peppers; their vinegary tang and crunch balance out the richness of the shawarma.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, overnight marination deepens the flavor and ensures juicier meat.
- Get a Good Sear on the Chicken – Use an air fryer or hot skillet (preferably cast iron) and avoid moving the chicken too much while cooking to develop a deep golden crust for extra flavor.
- Fluff the Rice for the Best Texture – After cooking, use a rice paddle or fork to fluff the rice and quinoa, helping release excess steam and prevent clumping.
- Let the Sumac Onions Rest – Allowing the onions to sit for 10–15 minutes after mixing with sumac and lemon juice softens their bite and enhances their tangy flavor.
- Balance the Bowl with Fresh and Creamy Elements – The spiced chicken and rice pair perfectly with cool, creamy dressing and fresh salad to create a harmonious mix of textures and flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may be less juicy and flavorful compared to thighs. To maintain moisture, consider marinating the breasts longer and monitoring the cooking time closely to prevent drying out.
Basmati rice is a popular choice due to its light and fluffy texture, which complements the flavors of shawarma well. However, you can also use jasmine rice, brown rice, or a mix of rice and quinoa, depending on your preference.
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the chicken with marinated tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. Ensure that any marinades or sauces used are plant-based, substituting dairy products with alternatives like coconut yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
Common toppings include diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, red onions, pickled vegetables, hummus, tzatziki sauce, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the shawarma.
Absolutely. Marinating the chicken a day in advance can enhance its flavor. You can also cook the rice and prepare sauces or dressings ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain freshness.
More Bowl Recipes
Looking for other bowl recipes like this? Try these:
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl with Lemon Remoulade
- Easy Sheet Pan Spicy Miso Salmon Rice Bowl
- Spicy Greek Chicken Meatball Rice Bowl
- Calabrian Chili Salmon and Vegetables Bowl
Middle Eastern Recipes
Looking for other Middle Eastern-inspired recipes like this? Try these:
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma | Quick with Beituti
- Quick Parsley Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
- Marinated Sumac Onions | Easy and Quick
- Creamy Lemon Greek Yogurt Dressing | Easy 5-Minute
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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