Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Healthy chicken meals don’t have to be boring — and this chicken shawarma bowl proves it. Packed with warm Middle Eastern spices, fresh vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a creamy tahini dressing, this bowl is vibrant, nutritious, and downright delicious. It’s a balanced, high-protein meal that hits every flavor note — savory, tangy, crunchy, and creamy — while keeping things light and clean.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Marinated, oven-baked chicken bursting with spices
• Naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense
• Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Customizable with veggies, herbs, and toppings
• Ready in just 40 minutes

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 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, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Season the Chicken
   In a small bowl, mix all chicken spices. In a separate bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, then coat with the spice blend.
3. Bake the Chicken
   Spread chicken on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest before assembling.
4. Cook the Quinoa
   Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Veggies
   Chop cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and cilantro.
6. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, and water until smooth.
7. Assemble the Bowl
   In a large bowl, add a base of quinoa. Top with vegetables and baked chicken.
8. Drizzle and Serve
   Finish with a generous drizzle of tahini dressing. Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 2 bowls
• Estimated Cost: ~$10 total
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Nutrition Facts (Per Bowl – Approximate)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg

Tips & Variations

• Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken sit in the spice blend for 30+ minutes before baking.
• Switch the base: Use couscous, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• Add pickled veggies: Pickled red onions or cucumbers add tang and crunch.
• Make it dairy-free & gluten-free: Already dairy-free, just double-check your tahini and spices.
• More toppings? Add feta, olives, or hummus for a Mediterranean twist.

FAQs

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Store chicken, quinoa, veggies, and dressing separately. Assemble when ready to eat.

Is this bowl spicy?
It has a mild heat from cayenne. Adjust to taste.

Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely — grilled chicken adds even more flavor.

How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in airtight containers.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — scale up ingredients and roast chicken in batches.

Conclusion

This healthy chicken shawarma bowl brings together powerful flavors and nourishing ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and good for you. Whether you’re craving a protein-packed lunch or prepping your weekly dinners, this dish delivers. The warm spices, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing create a balanced bite in every forkful — proof that healthy chicken doesn’t have to be bland.