Name: Dave's Famous Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 lbs boneless (skinless chicken thighs); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp shawarma spice blend (from above); 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking); 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed and drained); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; Black pepper to taste; 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped); 2 medium tomatoes (diced); 1 English cucumber (diced); 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

Dave’s Famous Chicken Shawarma Bowl transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinarily flavorful meal through careful marination and thoughtful preparation. Unlike typical chicken and rice dishes, this version features thigh meat that’s twice-cooked – first grilled or pan-seared to develop a beautiful caramelization, then chopped and returned to the pan to concentrate the flavors even further. The yogurt-based marinade not only infuses the meat with aromatic spices but also tenderizes it to juicy perfection. Meanwhile, the golden turmeric rice provides a fragrant, colorful base that absorbs the delicious chicken juices and sauce, creating a complete meal where each component enhances the others.

What makes this Chicken Shawarma Bowl particularly special is the balance of textures and temperatures in a single dish. The warm, spice-infused chicken and rice contrast beautifully with the cool, crisp vegetables and creamy yogurt sauce, creating a multisensory eating experience that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The dill-forward yogurt sauce, with its bright lemony notes, cuts through the richness of the chicken while complementing the aromatic spices. This thoughtful layering of flavors demonstrates how street food classics can be elevated at home without losing their soul – maintaining that perfect balance of comfort and excitement that makes this style of food so universally beloved.

In contemporary food culture, the halal cart-style chicken and rice has transcended its humble origins to become a recognized culinary icon, inspiring countless homages from fine dining establishments to home kitchens worldwide. This particular bowl represents the beautiful democratization of global flavors that characterizes modern cuisine – Middle Eastern spices, Mediterranean preparation techniques, and American presentation coming together in perfect harmony. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight dinner, packed for next-day lunches, or served as part of a casual entertaining spread, this shawarma bowl embodies the current trend of cross-cultural cooking that values both authenticity and accessibility, creating food that’s as nourishing as it is crave-worthy.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Authentic NYC street food flavors in your own kitchen
Yogurt marinade creates incredibly tender, flavorful chicken
Double-cooking method concentrates flavors for maximum impact
Perfect balance of warm spiced components and cooling elements
Versatile recipe that works equally well for meal prep or entertaining

WHAT IS A CHICKEN SHAWARMA BOWL?

Dave’s Famous Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a homemade version of the iconic halal cart chicken and rice popular throughout New York City. It features yogurt-marinated chicken thighs seasoned with aromatic Middle Eastern spices, served over fragrant yellow turmeric rice and accompanied by fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. The dish is brought together with a cooling yogurt-based white sauce that’s bright with lemon and fresh dill. While traditional shawarma is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this adaptation uses a two-stage cooking method that concentrates flavors, making it accessible for home cooks while maintaining the beloved street food essence.