Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl is your new go-to for a flavorful, wholesome, and filling meal that doesn’t skimp on bold spices or creamy toppings. Packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious tahini dressing, this bowl delivers balanced nutrition in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or when you’re craving a satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired dish without takeout.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Full of aromatic, warm spices
  • Clean, whole-food ingredients
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Ready in just 40 minutes

Whether you layer it with quinoa, couscous, or fresh greens, this healthy chicken shawarma bowl is endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Bowl:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut chicken into small, even pieces.
  3. Make spice blend: Mix cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl.
  4. Season chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil and the spice mix until evenly coated.
  5. Bake: Spread chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown.
  6. Cook quinoa: Follow package instructions (~15 mins). Fluff and set aside to cool slightly.
  7. Chop veggies: Dice cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and cilantro.
  8. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin. Adjust water for desired consistency.
  9. Assemble bowls: Start with a base of quinoa. Top with chopped veggies and baked chicken.
  10. Drizzle with dressing and serve fresh.

Recipe Details

healthy chicken shawarma bowl
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3 bowls

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: ~500mg (depending on added salt)

Tips & Variations

  • Swap grains: Use brown rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice instead of quinoa.
  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor — up to 12 hours.
  • Spice it up: Add harissa, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Make it dairy-free: This recipe is already naturally dairy-free with a tahini-based sauce.
  • Add extras: Try pickled red onions, feta cheese, or hummus on top.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust cook time slightly.

Q: Is this shawarma bowl meal-prep friendly?
A: Absolutely. Store components separately in airtight containers for 3 days.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
A: Yes — grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.

healthy chicken shawarma bowl

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

A colorful, nutrient-dense bowl with warm spices, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini — perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • – Baking sheet
  • – Small and large mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • **Chicken**
  • – 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • – 2 tbsp olive oil
  • – 1 tsp ground cumin
  • – 1 tsp paprika
  • – 1 tsp turmeric
  • – 1 tsp ground coriander
  • – 1 tsp garlic powder
  • – 1 tsp onion powder
  • – 1 tsp cinnamon
  • – ½ tsp black pepper
  • – ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • – ½ tsp salt
  • **Bowl**
  • – 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • – 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • – 1 cup tomatoes chopped
  • – ½ cup red onion chopped
  • – ¼ cup parsley chopped
  • – ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • **Tahini Dressing**
  • – 2 tbsp tahini
  • – 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • – ¼ cup water
  • – 1 tbsp olive oil
  • – ½ tsp garlic powder
  • – ½ tsp cumin

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Mix all spices in a small bowl.
  • Toss chicken with olive oil and spices.
  • Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Cook quinoa and let cool slightly.
  • Chop all veggies and herbs.
  • Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
  • Assemble bowls with quinoa, veggies, chicken.
  • Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve.

Notes

– Store components separately for meal prep.
– Marinate chicken in spices ahead for extra flavor.
– Use extra lemon juice or water to thin dressing as desired.
Keyword healthy chicken shawarma bowl

Conclusion

The Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl brings together bold spices, fresh herbs, and nourishing ingredients into one easy, crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re building lunch for the week or making dinner in under an hour, this bowl delivers every time. Customize it, batch it, love it — it’s a flavor-packed favorite you’ll keep coming back to.