Spicy Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Tender spiced chicken is roasted or grilled until golden, then served over rice or couscous with crisp vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of creamy yogurt tahini sauce. It’s warm, spicy, fresh, and customizable — a vibrant meal-in-a-bowl inspired by classic shawarma flavors!
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Chicken Shawarma:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Base:
2 cups cooked basmati rice, brown rice, or couscous
Optional: mix with lemon zest or chopped herbs
Toppings:
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded lettuce or arugula
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
Optional: pickled red onions, olives, or crumbled feta
Creamy Yogurt Tahini Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
1–2 tbsp water to thin
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of cayenne or hot sauce
Instructions:
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, and all spices.
Coat chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
Grill, bake (at 425°F / 220°C for 18–20 min), or pan-sear until cooked through.
Let rest, then slice.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon, garlic, water, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
Add rice or couscous to each bowl.
Top with chicken, veggies, herbs, and extras like olives or feta.
Drizzle generously with yogurt tahini sauce.
Tips & Variations:
Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or serve over shredded lettuce.
Add crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy chickpeas.
Heat it up: Add harissa paste or chili oil to the chicken or sauce for extra spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Store chicken, base, and toppings separately. Assemble and sauce when ready to eat.
Q: Can I use store-bought shawarma spice?
Absolutely — use about 1–2 tbsp mixed with oil and lemon juice.
Q: What protein substitutes work?
Try tofu, chickpeas, or shrimp for variety.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g