Shawarma Chicken Bowl with Lemon Sauce
A vibrant Mediterranean bowl featuring warm shawarma-spiced chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a creamy lemon yogurt sauce served over a light grain base. This bowl is aromatic, filling, and perfect for meal prep or weight-friendly eating.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Shawarma Chicken
300 g chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
Bowl Base
1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or bulgur
1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
Fresh Toppings
½ cucumber, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp pickled turnips or pickled onions
Creamy Lemon Sauce
3 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp tahini
Juice of ½ lemon
1 small garlic clove, grated
Salt to taste
1–2 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Toss chicken to coat well.
Marinate 20 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Make Lemon Sauce
Whisk yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble Bowl
Add grains and greens to bowl.
Top with shawarma chicken.
Add fresh vegetables and pickles.
Drizzle generously with lemon sauce.
Tips
Slice chicken thinly for authentic shawarma texture.
Use thighs for extra juiciness.
Add roasted chickpeas or hummus for extra protein.
For low-carb, replace grains with cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use tahini + lemon + water instead of yogurt.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Yes—high protein, controlled fats, very filling.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely—store chicken, sauce, and veggies separately.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~490 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g