Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

The juicy, tender chicken in this shawarma bowl is a game-changer, marinated in a mix of earthy spices that linger with each bite. The combination of garlic, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors that pair perfectly with the fresh, crisp vegetables. The yogurt-based sauce, with a hint of lemon and garlic, brings everything together with a creamy, tangy finish that ties the bowl up in a delightful balance. You’ll find yourself going back for that extra spoonful of the sauce to drizzle over the veggies, as it adds a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is – you can layer in your favorite toppings, from crunchy cucumbers to ripe tomatoes, and it’s always delicious. It’s like building a little Mediterranean feast in a bowl, one bite at a time.

Key Ingredients in Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Each ingredient in this shawarma bowl serves a purpose, enhancing the dish with flavor, texture, or nutritional value. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes each element special:

* Chicken breast

A lean protein that serves as the star of the bowl. Marinated to perfection, it takes on all those fragrant spices, becoming juicy and flavorful.

* Olive oil

Used to marinate the chicken and in the dressing, olive oil adds richness and helps to create that mouthwatering golden brown sear on the chicken.

* Ground cumin

This earthy spice adds a warm, smoky flavor that’s key in giving shawarma its signature taste.

* Ground paprika

It brings a mild heat and a touch of smokiness, enhancing the depth of flavor in the chicken and the sauce.

* Ground turmeric

Known for its vibrant golden color, turmeric adds a subtle earthiness that complements the other spices beautifully.

* Ground coriander

With a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor, coriander brightens up the spice mix and adds a layer of complexity.

* Garlic powder

For a more rounded garlic flavor, garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the chicken without being overpowering.

* Onion powder

It adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the garlic and other spices in the marinade.

* Ground cinnamon

A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and complexity, bringing a slight sweetness that balances the savory notes of the spices.

* Ground black pepper

A little black pepper adds a mild heat and a sharp contrast to the other spices, making the flavors pop.

* Ground cayenne pepper

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper kicks up the spiciness just enough to create a balanced flavor profile.

* Salt

Essential for enhancing the overall flavor, salt brings all the spices together and helps the chicken taste its best.

* Cooked quinoa

A nutritious base for the bowl, quinoa is light yet filling and pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the shawarma.

* Chopped cucumber

Adds a cool, refreshing crunch that contrasts the warmth of the chicken and balances out the richness of the sauce.

* Chopped tomatoes

Tomatoes bring juiciness and a pop of sweetness that works beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.

* Chopped red onion

The sharpness of red onion adds a punch of flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken and dressing.

* Fresh parsley

Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note, brightening the entire dish and complementing the Mediterranean flavors.

* Fresh cilantro

Another herb that adds freshness with a slightly citrusy undertone, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.

* Tahini

A creamy sesame paste that brings richness and a subtle nutty flavor to the yogurt-based sauce, making it smooth and indulgent.

* Lemon juice

A splash of lemon juice adds acidity to balance the creaminess of the tahini and yogurt sauce, providing that zesty kick.

* Water

Used to thin out the sauce, making it the perfect consistency for drizzling over the chicken and vegetables.

* Olive oil

Adds extra smoothness and richness to the dressing, helping all the ingredients come together into a cohesive sauce.

* Garlic powder

A second dose of garlic flavor, it complements the fresh garlic in the marinade, deepening the savory notes of the dressing.

* Ground cumin

A final touch of cumin in the dressing ties the spices from the chicken and the sauce together, creating a harmonious flavor experience.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

2. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and ensures every piece gets coated in that flavorful spice mix.

3. In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix these spices together well, creating a fragrant spice blend for the chicken.

4. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds richness to the flavor.

5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Make sure every piece is generously coated with the spices for maximum flavor.

6. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

8. While the chicken is baking, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Quinoa typically takes about 15 minutes to cook, and you want it fluffy and tender for the base of the bowl.

9. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool slightly. This helps keep the quinoa from clumping together and gives it a light, airy texture.

10. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. These fresh vegetables add a crisp, juicy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.

11. Roughly chop the fresh parsley and cilantro. These herbs will bring a burst of freshness and color to your shawarma bowl, adding brightness to the overall dish.

12. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin to make the dressing. This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and nutty notes.

13. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting the chicken helps it retain its juices, keeping it tender.

14. To assemble the bowl, start with a base of cooked quinoa. Spread it out in the bottom of your bowl, creating a hearty foundation for the toppings.

15. Top the quinoa with the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and cilantro. The veggies add crunch, juiciness, and freshness to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

16. Add the baked chicken on top of the vegetables. Layer it neatly over the fresh veggies, allowing the juicy chicken to shine.

17. Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over the entire bowl. This creamy, tangy sauce will bring everything together, making each bite even more delicious.

18. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use. This dish is just as tasty when enjoyed later, making it perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead lunch.

Serving Suggestions for Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

* Serve with pita bread or flatbread – For a more authentic touch, pair your shawarma bowl with warm pita or flatbread on the side. Tear off pieces to scoop up the flavorful chicken and creamy sauce. It adds an extra layer of texture and makes it feel like you’re dining at your favorite Mediterranean restaurant.

* Top with pickled vegetables – Add a little zesty kick by topping your bowl with some tangy pickled cucumbers or pickled red onions. The acidity from the pickles cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors.

* Add a handful of feta cheese – For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of your bowl. The salty, creamy feta enhances the flavors and gives your shawarma bowl an extra layer of richness. Plus, it adds a wonderful contrast to the fresh veggies!

How to Store Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), storing your healthy chicken shawarma bowl properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful.

* Store the components separately – To prevent the quinoa from getting soggy and the veggies from wilting, store the chicken, quinoa, and vegetables in separate airtight containers. This will help maintain the texture of each component when you reheat it.

* Keep the dressing in a separate container – For the best results, store the tahini dressing separately in a small container. This way, you can drizzle it over the bowl just before serving, ensuring the creamy sauce stays fresh and doesn’t soak into the other ingredients.

* Refrigerate for up to 3 days – Both the chicken and the quinoa will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the flavors might start to fade, and the texture of the vegetables may not be as crisp. Just be sure to let everything cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a vibrant, flavorful chicken shawarma bowl that’s as satisfying as it is healthy! With juicy marinated chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s so versatile, you can adjust the toppings and spices to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping it ahead for a busy week, this recipe is a winner every time.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later, so you can come back whenever you’re in the mood for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment or let me know if you have any questions or need any help along the way. I’m here for all your cooking adventures!

Print Recipe

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 450

Description

A vibrant, wholesome bowl featuring tender grilled chicken shawarma, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Each bite bursts with aromatic spices, bringing a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and refreshing flavors. It’s a healthy, satisfying feast!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound chicken breast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup chopped cucumber

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes

• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped red onion

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
4. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
6. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
8. While the chicken is baking, cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
9. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
10. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
11. Roughly chop the fresh parsley and cilantro.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin to make the dressing.
13. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
14. To assemble the bowl, start with a base of cooked quinoa.
15. Top the quinoa with the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and cilantro.
16. Add the baked chicken on top of the vegetables.
17. Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over the entire bowl.
18. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Note

• Make sure to dice the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add a bit of hot sauce to the tahini dressing.
• Quinoa can be swapped with brown rice or couscous for a different texture.
• The tahini dressing can be thinned further with a bit more water or lemon juice to your taste.

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