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A vibrant chicken shawarma bowl with fresh vegetables and sauces

Healthier Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious Healthier Chicken Shawarma Bowl, packed with flavorful marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • skillet or grill pan
  • small bowl

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • cayenne pepper (optional) Pinch

Bowl Base & Toppings

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (can sub with cauliflower rice)
  • 2 cups mixed greens or shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: Pickled turnips, fresh mint leaves, bell peppers

Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2-4 tbsp cold water (to thin)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • Combine chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
  • Toss well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Cook the Grain

  • Prepare quinoa or brown rice according to package directions, or lightly sauté cauliflower rice.

Prepare the Healthier Tahini Sauce

  • Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
  • Gradually add cold water until the sauce reaches a drizzle-able consistency.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook marinated chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C).

Assemble the Bowls

  • Divide cooked quinoa or rice among serving bowls and top with mixed greens or shredded lettuce.
  • Arrange cooked chicken over the greens, then add cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley, along with any other desired toppings.

Drizzle and Serve

  • Drizzle each bowl generously with the tahini sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the amount of water in the tahini sauce to achieve your preferred consistency. Feel free to customize your bowl with other vegetables like bell peppers or roasted sweet potatoes.