Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBasic KitchenShawarma Bowl Recipe

Shawarma Bowl Recipe

Inspired by Basic Kitchen
Time1h
Serves4

local corn, dry rub, alabama BBQ sauce

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Protein & Marinade

Method

Protein & Marinade

  1. 1

    Prepare and Marinate Chicken

    Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into 1-inch strips. In a bowl combine Greek yogurt, shawarma dry rub, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat thoroughly, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for more flavor.

  2. 2

    Cook Chicken

    Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon neutral oil if using a skillet. Remove excess marinade from chicken (shake off) and sear in batches so pieces don’t overcrowd. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a resting plate and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if needed.

Local Corn & Vegetables

  1. 3

    Sauté Corn & Veg

    While the chicken rests, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and red bell pepper; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add local corn kernels and smoked paprika, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and cook 4–5 minutes until corn is lightly charred and tender. Remove from heat and squeeze a little lime or lemon juice over the mix to brighten.

  2. 4

    Prep Fresh Veg

    Dice cucumber and tomato and keep pickled turnip or onions ready. Chop herbs for garnish.

Alabama BBQ Sauce & Dressing

  1. 5

    Adjust Alabama Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together Alabama white BBQ sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon water to loosen. Taste and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in chopped parsley. If sauce is too thick for drizzling, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.

Grains & Assembly

  1. 6

    Assemble Bowls

    Divide cooked rice or freekeh among four bowls (approx. 3/4 cup rice per serving). Top each bowl with a portion of the sliced shawarma chicken (about 5 oz per serving), 1/2 cup of the charred corn-vegetable mix, and small portions of cucumber, tomato, and pickled turnip/onion.

  2. 7

    Finish & Serve

    Drizzle Alabama white BBQ dressing over the chicken and vegetables (about 2 tablespoons per bowl). Garnish with chopped cilantro/parsley and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sumac. Serve with extra lime/lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side.

More from Basic Kitchen