Name: Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: **Chicken:**; - 1 lb chicken breast (diced); - 2 tbsp olive oil; - 1 tsp cumin (1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric); - 1 tsp coriander (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder); - 1 tsp cinnamon (½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp salt); **Bowl:**; - 1 cup cooked quinoa; - 1 cup cucumber (1 cup tomatoes, ½ cup red onion); - ¼ cup parsley (¼ cup cilantro); **Dressing:**; - 2 tbsp tahini (1 tbsp lemon juice); - ¼ cup water (1 tbsp olive oil); - ½ tsp garlic powder (½ tsp cumin)

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Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a vibrant, protein-packed meal full of bold spices, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing. It’s everything you love about classic shawarma, reimagined as a balanced, wholesome bowl. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or looking for a flavor-forward dinner, this dish will keep you satisfied and energized.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor, Clean Ingredients: Loaded with Middle Eastern spices without processed sauces
Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for quick lunches and dinners
Customizable: Swap quinoa for rice or use your favorite toppings
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats
All-in-One Bowl: No sides needed — everything you need is in one dish

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 ground cinnamon
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt

For the Bowl:

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

For the Tahini Dressing:

2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup water (plus more to thin, if needed)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, and all spices. Toss until fully coated.
Bake the Chicken
Spread chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Cook the Quinoa
While the chicken bakes, cook quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Chop the Veggies
Dice cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Set aside for assembly.
Make the Dressing
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
Assemble the Bowl
Start with a base of quinoa, then layer on veggies and baked chicken. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing.
Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate components for meal prep.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Rest Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2–3
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Estimated Cost: $12–$15

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Cholesterol: 75mg

Tips & Variations

Spice it Up: Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes
Try Other Grains: Swap quinoa for couscous, bulgur, or brown rice
Add Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy chickpeas
Extra Creamy: Add Greek yogurt to the dressing for a richer texture
Make It Vegan: Use roasted chickpeas instead of chicken

FAQs

Q: Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Marinating for 30+ minutes enhances the flavor even more.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store chicken, quinoa, veggies, and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Definitely — grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked.