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Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma Bowls


  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner with these Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma Bowls, perfect for easy after-work meals or meal prep. This recipe is one of the best easy crockpot meals for a flavorful and convenient weeknight dinner. It leverages the convenience of your Instant Pot to deliver tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for building customizable bowls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • For serving: cooked rice or quinoa, chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, fresh parsley, plain Greek yogurt or tahini sauce

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Toss everything together until the chicken and onion are thoroughly coated with the spices.

    2. Add to Instant Pot: Pour the seasoned chicken mixture into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Add the chicken broth to the pot, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Do not stir after adding the broth, as this can sometimes prevent the pot from coming to pressure correctly.

    3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure.

    4. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. This helps the chicken stay tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to quick release any remaining pressure.

    5. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Stir the shredded chicken with the onions and accumulated juices in the pot to ensure it’s well coated with all the delicious flavors.

    6. Assemble Your Bowls: Serve the shredded chicken and onion mixture over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Top with your favorite fresh toppings like chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Drizzle with plain Greek yogurt or tahini sauce for an authentic finish.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: pressure cooking
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl

    Keywords: chicken, shawarma, instant pot, bowls, healthy, meal prep, weeknight, easy, mediterranean, dinner