Chicken Shawarma Bowls with Turmeric Couscous and Roasted Vegetables

Total: 35 min2 servingsmediumMediterranean
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 servings
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoon yogurt
    Greek yogurt1:1dairy

    thicker consistency

    Full guide →
  • 10 ounce chicken cutlets
    turkey 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
    Greek yogurt1:1dairy

    tangier flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 unit chicken stock concentrate
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ cup couscous
    quinoa1:1graingluten-free

    different texture, longer cook time

  • 4 tablespoon hummus
    tahini sauce1:1condiment

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Adjust oven rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees

  2. 2

    Wash and dry all produce

  3. 3

    Mince garlic

  4. 4

    Combine yogurt, half the garlic, half the shawarma spice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in medium bowl

  5. 5

    Pat chicken dry and add to marinade, turn to coat and set aside

  6. 6

    Trim and dice zucchini into half-inch pieces

  7. 7

    Dice tomato into one-inch pieces

  8. 8

    Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens

  9. 9

    Quarter lemon

  10. 10

    Combine sour cream and remaining garlic in small bowl, season with salt and pepper

  11. 11

    Stir water into sour cream mixture one teaspoon at a time until drizzling consistency

  12. 12

    Toss zucchini and tomato on baking sheet with olive oil, remaining shawarma spice, salt, and pepper

  13. 13

    Roast vegetables on top rack until browned and tender

  14. 14

    Heat olive oil in large nonstick pan over medium heat

  15. 15

    Remove chicken from marinade and cook until browned and cooked through

  16. 16

    Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice crosswise when cool enough to handle

  17. 17

    Heat olive oil in small pot over medium-high heat

  18. 18

    Add scallion whites and cook until slightly softened

  19. 19

    Add stock concentrate, water, turmeric, butter, and salt to pot

  20. 20

    Bring to boil, stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat

  21. 21

    Let couscous stand until water absorbed and tender

  22. 22

    Fluff couscous with fork and season with salt and pepper

  23. 23

    Toss roasted vegetables with lemon juice

  24. 24

    Divide couscous and vegetables between bowls

  25. 25

    Top with sliced chicken and dollop with hummus

  26. 26

    Drizzle with white sauce and hot sauce to taste

  27. 27

    Sprinkle with scallion greens and serve with lemon wedges

Tips

Tip 1

Use medium heat when cooking the marinated chicken to prevent the yogurt marinade from burning and turning bitter.

Tip 2

Measure the turmeric carefully as too much can make the couscous bitter and overpowering.

Tip 3

Let the couscous rest covered for at least 5 minutes to ensure all liquid is absorbed for fluffy results.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled bowls up to 3 days. Store components separately for best quality.

Make Ahead

Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Prep vegetables and make white sauce day before.

Serve With

Serve immediately while chicken and couscous are warm. Provide extra lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't use high heat for the chicken or the yogurt marinade will burn

Watch

Don't skip resting time for couscous or it will be mushy

Watch

Don't add too much turmeric or the couscous will become bitter

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

yogurt
Greek yogurt1:1dairy

thicker consistency

Full guide →
sour cream
Greek yogurt1:1dairy

tangier flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

couscous
quinoa1:1graingluten-free

different texture, longer cook time

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken cutlets
turkey cutlets1:1protein

slightly different flavor

hummus
tahini sauce1:1condiment

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

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.