Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Healthy chicken never has to mean boring — and this chicken shawarma bowl is proof. Packed with bold Middle Eastern spices, tender roasted chicken, and fresh veggies, this bowl offers everything you want in a nutritious, satisfying meal. It’s served over fluffy quinoa and topped with a creamy tahini-lemon dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a vibrant dinner, this is the healthy chicken recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Protein-packed and full of flavor
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
• Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Made with whole, clean ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite grains and toppings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 3 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix all spices. Toss diced chicken with olive oil and the spice blend until evenly coated.
3. Roast the chicken: Spread on baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Cook quinoa while chicken bakes, according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
5. Chop vegetables: Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Chop parsley and cilantro.
6. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, and salt until smooth. Add water to thin if needed.
7. Assemble the bowl: Start with a base of quinoa. Top with vegetables and roasted chicken.
8. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce and garnish with extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Tips & Variations

Boost the flavor:

• Marinate chicken in the spice mix for 30+ minutes for extra depth.
• Add a splash of hot sauce to the tahini dressing for heat.

Swaps & Additions:

• Use brown rice or couscous instead of quinoa.
• Top with feta or pickled red onions for tang.
• Add shredded lettuce for crunch or hummus for creaminess.

Meal prep tip:

• Store components separately and assemble before serving to keep fresh and crisp.

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

A flavorful, protein-rich bowl made with healthy chicken, quinoa, and fresh veggies. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 2 chicken

Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: healthy, Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb chicken breast diced
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 tsp cumin paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• – ½ tsp salt
• – 1 cup cooked quinoa
• – 1 cup chopped cucumber
• – 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• – ½ cup chopped red onion
• – ¼ cup chopped parsley
• – ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• – 3 tbsp tahini
• – 1 tbsp lemon juice
• – ¼ cup water
• – 1 tbsp olive oil
• – ½ tsp garlic powder
• – ½ tsp cumin
• – Salt to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• – Knife & cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss diced chicken in olive oil and spices. Roast 20–25 mins.
3. Cook quinoa. Chop veggies and herbs.
4. Whisk together tahini sauce ingredients until smooth.
5. Assemble bowl: quinoa base, topped with veggies and chicken.
6. Drizzle with sauce. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

– Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor
– Add feta or pickled onions for a twist
– Store dressing separately for freshness

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that works great with the shawarma spices.

Is this dish spicy?
Mild by default, but you can add more cayenne or hot sauce for heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally dairy-free. The tahini sauce is completely plant-based.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.

Conclusion

This healthy chicken shawarma bowl is your new go-to for clean eating without sacrificing bold flavor. With its golden spiced chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tahini sauce, it delivers a satisfying mix of texture and taste in every bite. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and great for leftovers — it’s the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.