Easy Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Name: Easy Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice; 1 cup chopped cucumber; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons water; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen Favorites

I love making this Easy Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl because it's not only quick and easy but also packed with vibrant flavors. Each bite reminds me of the bustling markets and the aromatic spices that fill the air. This dish is all about balance: tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet is healthy. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, which makes life a little easier during busy weekdays. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this delicious bowl!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:13:34.850Z

When I first tried making chicken shawarma at home, I was amazed at how easy it truly is. By marinating the chicken in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, I was able to elevate the flavor profile without much effort. I remember the first time I served it to friends; they insisted it was better than any restaurant version they’d tried!

Another tip I learned along the way is to use a mix of fresh veggies and grains. It not only adds crunch and texture but also makes the dish feel more nutritious. Pairing it with a homemade tahini sauce ties all the elements together, creating a fulfilling meal that I now make on repeat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and aromatic spices that transport you to the Middle East
Fresh ingredients that keep the bowl light yet satisfying
Great for meal prep—perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in this recipe that ensures the meat is not only flavorful but also tender. The combination of olive oil and yogurt in the marinade helps to keep the chicken juicy as it cooks. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least two hours; this allows the spices to penetrate deeply. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute soak can enhance the flavor, but longer marination is ideal.

The acid from the lemon juice not only adds brightness to the overall flavor profile but also acts as a tenderizer. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt that contains acid. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to achieve the same marinating effect.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

When cooking the marinated chicken, whether using a grill or a skillet, make sure the heat is set to medium-high. This temperature is essential for achieving that beautiful sear and locking in juices. After placing the chicken on the heat, resist the urge to move it around too much; let it cook undisturbed until it develops a golden-brown crust—about 5-7 minutes per side is ideal. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you notice that your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the outside while ensuring it's cooked through. If grilling, a well-oiled grates help prevent sticking. For those who may not have access to a grill, a cast-iron skillet works beautifully to achieve a similar result.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This Easy Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Feel free to switch up the base; couscous or cauliflower rice can be a delightful alternative to quinoa or brown rice. You can also add more toppings like avocado or pickled red onions to enhance the texture and flavor. For an extra tangy kick, a dollop of Greek yogurt on top would complement the spices beautifully.

If you're preparing this dish for meal prep, store the components separately to keep everything fresh. The tahini sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant. Most components will last up to four days in airtight containers, making it perfect for your weekly meal planning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious bowl:

For the Chicken Marinade

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tahini Sauce

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste

Make sure to prepare everything in advance for an effortless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chicken shawarma bowl:

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, yogurt, garlic, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, add a serving of quinoa or brown rice, followed by the sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, onion, and parsley. Drizzle with tahini sauce before serving.

Enjoy your delicious shawarma bowl with friends and family!

Pro Tips

To save time, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference
bell peppers and avocados make great additions too.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to use chicken breast instead of thighs, that’s perfectly fine, but be mindful of cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out faster, so you’ll want to check them for doneness a couple of minutes earlier. Also, the marinade will still coat the chicken well, but thighs typically provide a richer flavor due to their fat content.

For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. If using chickpeas, make sure to rinse and dry them well before marinating. For a spicier kick, consider adding harissa or chili powder to the marinade.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can customize it further. Adding roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to your bowl can elevate the dish. These can be tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized, adding depth of flavor and nutrition.

You might also explore different sauces. A garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy sriracha sauce can offer diverse flavor profiles that keep this dish exciting. Mixing up your toppings with seasonal produce ensures that each bowl feels unique and fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster.

→ Is this recipe low in carbs?

Using quinoa or brown rice adds some carbs, but you can substitute it with leafy greens for a lower-carb option.

→ Can I prepare the tahini sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The tahini sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.