From marinating succulent chicken to crafting sumac-kissed pickled onions, join us in unlocking the secrets to this savory delight. It's time to elevate your home-cooked meals with a taste of the Middle East!
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp shawarma seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp sumac
- 1/2 tbsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Pinches of salt and ground pepper
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Sumac Pickled Red Onions:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 pinches of salt
- 1 to 2 tbsp sumac
- Juice of 1 large lemon (or use an orange or lime)
For Assembly:
- Lettuce, thinly sliced
- Cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Tomato, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Flaky sea salt (for tomatoes and cucumbers)
- Cooked rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or your preferred base
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Mighty Sesame Co. Tahini, Harissa, Whole Seed sauce (for drizzling)
1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken thighs with double concentrated tomato paste, smoked paprika, shawarma seasoning, garlic powder, sumac, oregano, cumin, salt, ground pepper, plain yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Heat a pan to medium heat, add avocado oil, and cook the marinated chicken, stirring often, until cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Prepare the sumac pickled red onions by slicing a large red onion thinly, then sprinkle with salt, sumac, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare your other veggies by thinly slicing lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Additionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on the tomatoes and cucumbers and let them sit for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare your preferred base – whether it's rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, etc. You can boil rice in a mixture of salted water and chicken broth for added flavor.
6. Assemble the bowls by adding a serving of the base, followed by the cooked chicken, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of Mighty Sesame Co. Tahini, Harissa, Whole Seed sauce.
7. Enjoy your Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl!