Chef Nehal Karkera's Irresistible and Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe

Why settle for a shawarma roll when you can enjoy the whole bowl? Chef Nehal Karkera, a celebrated food content creator, brings you his wholesome and flavorful Chicken Shawarma Bowl recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, and vibrant sauces to create a perfectly balanced meal. Whether you're meal prepping or hosting a dinner party, this shawarma bowl will be a guaranteed hit on your 2024 menu.

Ingredients for the Chicken Shawarma Bowl

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 g boneless chicken (thin fillets)
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ cup curd
• 3 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp crushed black pepper and salt
• For Pickled Vegetables:
• 1 cup cucumber, 1 cup beetroot (sliced)
• 2 ½ cups water, 3 tbsp salt
• ½ cup honey, ½ cup vinegar
• 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise

For Spicy Sauce:

• 10-12 soaked Kashmiri chilies
• ¼ cup garlic
• 2-3 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp peppercorns

For Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup garlic
• ½ cup yogurt
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• Lemon juice, salt, pepper

For Assembly:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• Salad: lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber
• Pickled vegetables
• Optional: French fries, falafels, or tikkis
• Sliced chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, coat the chicken evenly, and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight for best results). Grill the chicken in a hot pan with oil, cooking 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips.

Prepare Pickled Vegetables: In a saucepan, bring water, salt, honey, vinegar, cinnamon, and star anise to a boil. Let the mixture cool, then pour it over sliced cucumbers and beets in separate jars. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

Make the Spicy Sauce: Blend soaked Kashmiri chilies, garlic, vinegar, ketchup, and peppercorns into a smooth, fiery sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Whip Up the Garlic Sauce: Blend garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a creamy sauce with a tangy kick.

Assemble the Shawarma Bowl: Layer cooked brown rice as the base of your bowl. Add a colorful salad of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Arrange pickled vegetables, grilled chicken slices, and optional falafels or fries for extra indulgence. Drizzle with spicy sauce and garlic sauce for the ultimate flavor explosion.

3. Why This Shawarma Bowl Stands Out

Healthy and Balanced: The combination of lean protein, brown rice, and fresh vegetables makes this bowl both nutritious and satisfying.

Bold Flavors: The homemade sauces and pickled vegetables elevate the dish with their spicy, tangy, and creamy profiles.

Versatile Add-Ons: Whether you prefer fries for indulgence or falafels for a vegetarian twist, this recipe adapts to your taste.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nehal karkera (@chef_nehalkarkera)

Chef Nehal Karkera's Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delicious and wholesome meal that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. From marinated chicken to pickled veggies and bold sauces, every bite is a celebration of taste and texture.

Give this recipe a try and transform your dining experience with Chef Nehal's signature shawarma bowl!