Döner Bowl with Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect texture balance: A mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy yogurt.
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like avocado, feta, or extra spices to make it your own.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich chicken for a balanced meal.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare the components in advance and enjoy this dish throughout the week.
• Bold, aromatic flavor: The marinade gives the chicken a deep, rich flavor reminiscent of a classic Döner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 500 g chicken breast fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Bowl:

• 200 g rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine rice)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 handful mixed greens (e.g., arugula, field greens)
• ½ cup yogurt (Greek or regular yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken:
   • Cut the chicken breasts into even strips.
   • In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
   • Toss the chicken strips in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1–2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the rice:
   • Prepare the rice according to the package instructions.
3. Cook the chicken:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Prepare the yogurt sauce:
   • Mix yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add tahini if desired.
5. Assemble the bowl:
   • Place a portion of rice in each bowl.
   • Add the cooked chicken on top.
   • Arrange cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and mixed greens around the chicken.
   • Drizzle with the yogurt sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel.
• Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Different sauces: Try tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy sauce for a twist.
• Additional toppings: Add feta cheese, olives, or avocado for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the components (chicken, rice, veggies, sauce) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Shelf life: Chicken and rice can be stored for up to 3 days; consume the vegetables within 1–2 days for optimal freshness.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in a microwave or skillet. Add fresh vegetables and sauce after reheating for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble the bowl just before serving.

2. Can I use other types of protein?

Absolutely. Beef, lamb, or even tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken.

3. Can I make this bowl vegan?

Yes, replace the chicken with grilled veggies or plant-based protein and use a vegan yogurt alternative.

4. What’s the best rice to use?

Basmati or jasmine rice work best for this recipe, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option.

5. Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking or freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

6. How can I add more spice?

Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.

7. What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, carrots, and red cabbage are great additions to this bowl.

8. Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, you can use ready-made tzatziki or garlic sauce for convenience.

9. How do I keep the vegetables fresh?

Keep the vegetables refrigerated in a separate container and add them to the bowl just before eating.

10. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that works wonderfully in this dish.

Conclusion

This Döner Bowl with chicken is a delightful combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for a quick meal or meal prep. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!