Chicken Shawarma Bowls with Turmeric Couscous and Roasted Vegetables

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired bowl featuring marinated chicken shawarma served over fluffy turmeric-spiced couscous alongside roasted zucchini and tomatoes. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and shawarma spices for tender, flavorful results, while the couscous gets a golden hue and earthy flavor from turmeric. Topped with creamy hummus, a tangy garlic white sauce, and fresh scallions, this balanced meal offers protein, vegetables, and grains in one satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, combining familiar Mediterranean flavors with easy preparation techniques.
Ingredients
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoon yogurt
- 10 ounce chicken cutletsturkey cutlets1:1protein
slightly different flavor
- 1 unit zucchini, trimmed and diced
- 1 unit roma tomato, diced
- 2 unit scallions, trimmed and sliced
- 1 unit lemon, quartered
- 4 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 unit chicken stock concentrate
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ cup couscousquinoa1:1graingluten-free
different texture, longer cook time
- 4 tablespoon hummus
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- 1
Adjust oven rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees
- 2
Wash and dry all produce
- 3
Mince garlic
- 4
Combine yogurt, half the garlic, half the shawarma spice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in medium bowl
- 5
Pat chicken dry and add to marinade, turn to coat and set aside
- 6
Trim and dice zucchini into half-inch pieces
- 7
Dice tomato into one-inch pieces
- 8
Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens
- 9
Quarter lemon
- 10
Combine sour cream and remaining garlic in small bowl, season with salt and pepper
- 11
Stir water into sour cream mixture one teaspoon at a time until drizzling consistency
- 12
Toss zucchini and tomato on baking sheet with olive oil, remaining shawarma spice, salt, and pepper
- 13
Roast vegetables on top rack until browned and tender
- 14
Heat olive oil in large nonstick pan over medium heat
- 15
Remove chicken from marinade and cook until browned and cooked through
- 16
Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice crosswise when cool enough to handle
- 17
Heat olive oil in small pot over medium-high heat
- 18
Add scallion whites and cook until slightly softened
- 19
Add stock concentrate, water, turmeric, butter, and salt to pot
- 20
Bring to boil, stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat
- 21
Let couscous stand until water absorbed and tender
- 22
Fluff couscous with fork and season with salt and pepper
- 23
Toss roasted vegetables with lemon juice
- 24
Divide couscous and vegetables between bowls
- 25
Top with sliced chicken and dollop with hummus
- 26
Drizzle with white sauce and hot sauce to taste
- 27
Sprinkle with scallion greens and serve with lemon wedges
Tips
Use medium heat when cooking the marinated chicken to prevent the yogurt marinade from burning and turning bitter.
Measure the turmeric carefully as too much can make the couscous bitter and overpowering.
Let the couscous rest covered for at least 5 minutes to ensure all liquid is absorbed for fluffy results.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled bowls up to 3 days. Store components separately for best quality.
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Prep vegetables and make white sauce day before.
Serve immediately while chicken and couscous are warm. Provide extra lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't use high heat for the chicken or the yogurt marinade will burn
Don't skip resting time for couscous or it will be mushy
Don't add too much turmeric or the couscous will become bitter
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
slightly different flavor
FAQ
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and couscous before serving and add fresh garnishes.
What if I don't have shawarma spice blend?
Make your own with equal parts cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch each of cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne pepper.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, freeze marinated and cooked chicken up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to prevent drying out.