For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons 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)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Begin by dicing the chicken thighs and placing them in a bowl. Add the double concentrated tomato paste, smoked paprika, shawarma seasoning, garlic powder, sumac, oregano, cumin, salt, ground pepper, plain yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. If you're in a hurry, you can proceed immediately, but marinating enhances the taste.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a pan over medium heat and add avocado oil. Transfer the marinated chicken to the pan and cook it through, stirring frequently. This should take approximately 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

3. Prepare Sumac Pickled Red Onions:

While the chicken is cooking, create the sumac pickled red onions. Slice a large red onion thinly and sprinkle it with salt, sumac, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Prep Fresh Ingredients:

Thinly slice lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. For a flavor boost, sprinkle flaky sea salt on the tomatoes and cucumbers and allow them to rest for 20 minutes.

5. Choose Your Base:

Select your preferred base. You can go low-carb with cauliflower rice or opt for traditional rice, quinoa, or any other base of your choice. To add extra flavor to your base, boil the rice for 5 minutes in a mixture of salted water and chicken broth.

6. Assemble Your Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl:

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Begin by adding a serving of your chosen base to a bowl. Top it with the cooked chicken, followed by a generous heap of lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. To elevate the dish to perfection, drizzle it with Mighty Sesame Co. Tahini, Harissa, Whole Seed sauce.

There you have it—the Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl, a symphony of Middle Eastern flavors in a single dish. With its savory marinated chicken, zesty sumac pickled onions, and fresh, crisp veggies, this recipe promises a delightful journey for your taste buds. Whether you're enjoying it as a family meal or a weeknight treat, this dish brings the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine to your home kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to savor the rich and diverse flavors of the Middle East with this unforgettable Chicken & Rice Bowl recipe.

**Remember:** Experimentation in the kitchen is encouraged. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your personal taste. Enjoy!