By Celestee
Naf Naf Style Chicken Shwarma Bowls
36 steps
Prep:30minCook:30h
Updated at: Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:18:08 GMT
Nutrition balance score
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Ingredients
6 servings
For the Chicken Shwarma
2 lbboneless skinless chicken thighs
⅓ cupolive oil
3 Tbsplemon juice
4garlic cloves
minced
2 tspcumin
2 tsppaprika
1 ½ tspturmeric
1 tspcoriander
1 tspkosher salt
½ tspblack pepper
½ tspground cinnamon
½ tspdried oregano
¼ tspcayenne
optional
2 Tbspplain Greek yogurt
optional
For the Red Cabbage Salad
4 cupsred cabbage
finely shredded
2 Tbsplemon juice
1 Tbspred wine vinegar
1 ½ Tbspolive oil
½ tspkosher salt
¼ tspsugar
optional
2 Tbspfresh parsley
chopped, optional
For the Mild Sauce
¾ cupplain greek yogurt
¼ cupmayonnaise
2 Tbsplemon juice
1 Tbspolive oil
1garlic clove
small, finely grated
½ tspkosher salt
¼ tspblack pepper
¼ tspground cumin
¼ tsppaprika
1 Tbspwater
as needed
Optional Toppings and Ways to Mix this Up
basmati rice
Cooked, or jasmine
couscous
hummus
tomato cucumber salad
Middle Eastern pickles
Pickled turnips
fresh parsley
or cilantro
pita bread
Instructions
Naf Naf Style Chicken Shwarma
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp cayenne (optional) until combined.
Step 2
Stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional) until smooth.
Step 3
Add 2 lb chicken thighs and toss until fully coated.
Step 4
Marinate at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread chicken in a single layer on a lined sheet pan.
Step 6
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and lightly charred.
Step 7
Broil 1–3 minutes if desired for crisp edges.
Step 8
Rest 5 minutes, then slice thin.
Naf Naf Style Red Cabbage
Step 9
Place 4 cups shredded red cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp kosher salt.
Step 10
Massage cabbage for 30–45 seconds until slightly softened.
Step 11
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1½ tbsp olive oil, and ¼ tsp sugar (optional).
Step 12
Toss dressing with cabbage until evenly coated.
Step 13
Fold in 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional).
Step 14
Rest 15–30 minutes before serving.
Naf Naf Mild Sauce
Step 15
In a bowl, whisk ¾ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 grated garlic clove, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cumin, and ¼ tsp paprika until smooth.
Step 16
Add 1–2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp at a time, until pourable but creamy.
Step 17
Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
How to Assemble Your Bowl
Step 18
Step 1: Base
Step 19
Add 1–1½ cups cooked rice or couscous to the bottom of each bowl, spreading it evenly.
Step 20
Step 2: Protein
Step 21
Top the rice with 5–6 oz sliced chicken shawarma (about ¾–1 cup per bowl), placing it slightly off-center.
Step 22
Step 3: Fresh + Crunchy
Step 23
Add the following around the chicken:
Step 24
¼ cup red cabbage salad
Step 25
¼ cup tomato cucumber salad
Step 26
2–3 tbsp Middle Eastern pickles or pickled turnips
Step 27
Step 4: Creamy Elements
Step 28
Spoon or dollop:
Step 29
2–3 tbsp hummus along one side of the bowl
Step 30
2 tbsp mild sauce drizzled over chicken or rice
Step 31
1–2 tbsp garlic toum (optional but very Naf Naf)
Step 32
Step 5: Finish
Step 33
Sprinkle with 1–2 tsp chopped parsley or cilantro
Step 34
Optional: add a small drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon
Step 35
Step 6: Serve
Step 36
Serve immediately while warm, or keep sauces separate if meal-prepping.
Notes
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