Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl (Printable)

Marinated spiced chicken over fresh vegetables and grains topped with creamy tahini sauce

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tsp ground cumin
04 - 2 tsp ground coriander
05 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
07 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - Juice of 1 lemon
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp black pepper

→ Shawarma Bowl Base

12 - 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 large cucumber, diced
15 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
16 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1 cup mixed salad greens
18 - ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

→ Tahini Yogurt Sauce

19 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
20 - 2 tbsp tahini
21 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
22 - 1 clove garlic, minced
23 - 2 tbsp water
24 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
03 - Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among 4 serving bowls. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red cabbage, red onion, salad greens, and fresh parsley atop the grains in sections.
04 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Place hot sliced chicken over each prepared bowl. Drizzle generously with tahini yogurt sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates that authentic shawarma flavor without needing a rotisserie or special equipment
  • Everything comes together in 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
  • You can prep the components ahead and assemble bowls throughout the week
  • The tahini sauce makes even the most basic vegetables taste incredible
02 -
  • The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes, but even 15 minutes makes a difference
  • Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam instead of getting that nice char
  • The tahini sauce thickens as it sits, so add another splash of water before serving if needed
03 -
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding oil to wake up their essential oils
  • Warm your tahini slightly in the microwave before whisking into the yogurt for a smoother sauce
  • Slice your chicken against the grain for more tender pieces that are easier to chew

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