Print

Flavor-Packed Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe Easy Healthy Dinner Idea

chicken shawarma bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy chicken shawarma bowl bursting with bold Middle Eastern spices, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy sauce. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp tahini (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooked basmati rice or warm pita bread
  • Pickled turnips or olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours or overnight.
  3. While chicken marinates, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and shred lettuce or spinach. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini (if using), lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  6. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Assemble bowls by placing cooked basmati rice or warm pita bread as base, layering fresh veggies, topping with sliced chicken, and drizzling yogurt sauce. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and optional pickled turnips or olives.

Notes

Marinate chicken longer for more flavor and tenderness. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get crispy edges. Cook on medium-high heat to prevent burning spices. Rest chicken before slicing. Chop veggies fresh before serving for best texture. Can swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for vegetarian option. Serve with cauliflower rice for low-carb or keto version. Use dairy-free yogurt for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, shawarma bowl, healthy dinner, Middle Eastern recipe, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, meal prep, Mediterranean spices

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavor-packed-chicken-shawarma-bowl-recipe-easy-healthy-dinner-idea/