Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Quick Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy, spiced chicken layered over fluffy rice or greens, paired with crisp veggies and a refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce. This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is quick, balanced, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors — perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for spice
Quick Tzatziki Sauce:
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Bowl Assembly:
Cooked basmati rice, couscous, or quinoa (1 cup per bowl)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber slices
Red onion, thinly sliced
Lettuce or arugula
Pickled onions or olives
Feta cheese
Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 mins per side). Slice into strips.
2. Make the Tzatziki:
In a bowl, mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill/mint, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
Layer rice or greens in a bowl. Top with cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and any extras.
Drizzle generously with tzatziki. Garnish with herbs, feta, or lemon wedges.
Tips:
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken with shawarma spices for a shortcut.
Make a low-carb version by swapping rice for cauliflower rice or all greens.
Add hummus or baba ganoush for more Mediterranean flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes — store chicken, veggies, and sauce separately and assemble when ready.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.
Q: What other grains work well?
Try bulgur, farro, or even lemon-herb orzo!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 510
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g