Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

A healthy chicken shawarma bowl is the ultimate weeknight win—quick, flavorful, and packed with feel-good ingredients. Juicy, spiced chicken meets crisp veggies, nutty quinoa, and a creamy tahini dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re craving something Mediterranean-inspired or just looking for a protein-packed meal prep recipe, this shawarma bowl delivers bold flavor and nourishing satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
• Meal-prep friendly for busy weekdays
• Full of warm spices and vibrant textures
• Customizable with your favorite toppings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 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 chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup water (plus more as needed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.
3. In a bowl, mix all the spices and olive oil, then toss with chicken to coat evenly.
4. Spread chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
5. While chicken cooks, prepare quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.
6. Chop all veggies and herbs.
7. Whisk together tahini dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Thin with water to desired consistency.
8. Assemble bowls: start with a base of quinoa, then layer cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and herbs.
9. Top with roasted chicken and drizzle with tahini dressing.
10. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg

Values will vary depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Swap quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice
• Add feta, kalamata olives, or pickled onions for a flavor boost
• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor
• Make it spicy: Add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing
• Vegan option: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu

FAQs

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Yes! Grilling adds even more smoky flavor—just cook until internal temp hits 165°F.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days. Store sauce and veggies separately for best texture.

Q: Is this bowl gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your tahini brand.

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

A vibrant, high-protein bowl layered with spiced chicken, crunchy vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a creamy tahini drizzle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• **Chicken Marinade:**
• – 1 lb chicken breast cubed
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 tsp cumin
• – 1 tsp paprika
• – 1 tsp turmeric
• – 1 tsp coriander
• – 1 tsp garlic powder
• – 1 tsp onion powder
• – ½ tsp cinnamon
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – ¼ tsp cayenne optional
• – ½ tsp salt
• **Bowl Additions:**
• – 1 cup cooked quinoa
• – 1 cup chopped cucumber
• – 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• – ½ cup chopped red onion
• – ¼ cup parsley
• – ¼ cup cilantro
• **Tahini Dressing:**
• – 2 tbsp tahini
• – 1 tbsp lemon juice
• – ¼ cup water
• – 1 tbsp olive oil
• – ½ tsp garlic powder
• – ½ tsp cumin
• – Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Mix spices and oil; toss chicken to coat.
• Bake 20–25 mins until golden and cooked through.
• Cook quinoa; chop veggies and herbs.
• Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
• Assemble bowl with quinoa, veggies, chicken, and drizzle dressing.

Notes

– Customize with olives, feta, or pita chips
– Dressing thickens in fridge—thin with more water or lemon juice
– Vegan swap: use roasted chickpeas or tofu

Keyword healthy chicken shawarma bowl

Conclusion

This healthy chicken shawarma bowl is everything you want in a balanced meal: bold spices, bright veggies, and creamy dressing layered into one crave-worthy bowl. It’s a go-to for quick dinners or flavorful lunches you’ll look forward to all week long. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.