This middle eastern inspired Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe has some of my favorite flavors combined into a fresh and protein packed bowl.
A popular Middle Eastern dish called chicken shawarma is made with spice-marinated chicken that is roasted on a rotisserie or grill. Having chicken shawarma as a main dish is satisfying because of its rich and savory flavor. However, adding the right side dishes can really elevate your shawarma experience.
So what are the best side dishes and meal ideas to serve with chicken shawarma? Here are 15 delicious options to complement the bold flavors of this iconic street food.
Traditional Middle Eastern Sides
For an authentic Middle Eastern meal, try pairing chicken shawarma with these classic sides:
Hummus
Creamy hummus is a perfect match for chicken shawarma This protein-rich chickpea dip has a smooth, luxurious texture that balances the savory meat. Hummus also comes in many flavor varieties, from roasted red pepper to garlic, that suit different tastes
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a bright, herb-packed bulgur wheat salad that adds freshness Parsley, mint, tomato and tangy lemon dressing give tabbouleh a vibrant taste that cuts through the richness of shawarma.
Baba Ganoush
Smoky eggplant dip baba ganoush is a fantastic complement, adding creaminess and a subtle smokiness. Its lush texture and balanced flavor contrast beautifully with chicken shawarma.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
Savory dolmas, or stuffed grape leaves, offer a wonderful tangy-sweet balance to shawarma’s spices. This classic mezze rounds out a Middle Eastern feast.
Pita Bread
Warm pita is essential for chicken shawarma. Soft, fresh pita allows you to wrap shawarma into portable sandwiches or use it for dipping hummus and sides. Grilled pita adds crispy texture.
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander perfectly suits the flavors of chicken shawarma. Its versatility also makes it an easygoing side dish.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Cool, crisp raw vegetables make excellent accompaniments to cut through the rich taste of shawarma:
Greek Salad
A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions, and feta cheese adds freshness and texture variety. The vegetables’ cool crunch balances chicken shawarma’s warmth.
Sumac Onions
Quick pickled red onions flavored with tangy sumac offer a colorful counterpoint in taste and texture to shawarma.
Israeli Salad
This simple chopped salad of cucumber, tomato and onion tossed in lemon vinaigrette offers a cooling, palate-cleansing component.
Roasted Cauliflower
For heartier texture, roasted cauliflower florets caramelized with spices like cumin, paprika and garlic are delicious. Their charred edges contrast the juicy chicken.
More Hearty Sides and Whole Meals
Some more robust sides can turn chicken shawarma into a complete meal:
Mujaddara
This rice and lentil pilaf stew makes a wonderfully hearty, protein-rich accompaniment. Its earthy flavors pair perfectly with shawarma’s spices.
Shawarma Bowls
Build a bowl with shawarma, rice or greens, hummus and fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato. Top with a drizzle of garlicky toum sauce.
Fattoush Salad
This Levantine salad combines greens, vegetables, and crisp pita chips with a lemony dressing. It’s light yet filling enough to be a whole meal.
Vermicelli Rice
In this Lebanese specialty, nutty vermicelli noodles are toasted then mixed with spiced rice. It adds deliciously complex carbohydrates.
Halloumi Cheese
Salty, squeaky pan-fried halloumi cheese tastes amazing with shawarma. Its texture stands up well to the juicy chicken.
Chicken shawarma goes well with a lot of different foods, from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to new, exciting sides. With the above choices, such as cool dips and warm breads, you can make the perfect meal to bring out the flavors of shawarma. If you serve your chicken shawarma with a variety of tasty sides, it will be even better.
Everyone’s Favorite Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Go ahead and move aside every favorite dinner recipe you think you have, because these Chicken Shawarma Bowls are about to make a very permanent spot on your list! If the incredibly flavorful and juicy oven roasted chicken doesnt get you first, the fresh veggie side-kicks, and hummus and tzatziki toppings will seal the deal.
Theres always a little magic in bowl-style dinners that have grains, veggies, protein and sauce making harmony together. And although this isnt traditional chicken shawarma in the meat-roasting-on-a-spit, sense (since most of us arent lucky enough to have one of those lying around), we try our best to get some of that same amazing flavor from the seasoned chicken roasting in our good old fashioned oven.
Trust when I say to save every bit of leftovers for a great meal prep lunch.
how we make za Traditional Shicken Shawarma
FAQ
What do you eat with chicken shawarma?
It’s a perfect weeknight meal and comes together in very little time. You can eat it with lentils, pita bread from Lebanon, toum (garlic sauce), tahini sauce, pickled turnips, or shatta (chili paste). Chicken Shawarma Recipe!.
What is shawarma chicken good with?
Serve with pita and tahini, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, some olives, chopped parsley, some feta, fried eggplant, hummus swirled with harissa, rice or rice pilaf. The traditional white sauce goes with it. You can make it by mixing plain yogurt with mayonnaise and lemon juice and adding garlic to it. Jan 23, 2024.
What does chicken shawarma come with?
You can skewer Chicken Shawarma and serve it as a plate with Middle Eastern rice (or pita bread) and tzatziki, hummus, or Baba Ganoush. You can also eat it as a wrap or over Israeli salad for a light meal.
What vegetable goes well with shawarma?
Mediterranean veggies
I used eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion in my vegetable blend. Carrots, beets, turnips, or squash would be delicious too!