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A bowl of chicken shawarma with a white cream dressing, red onion, and bell peppers, on a bed of green lettuce. On top of the salad are pieces of spiced

Chicken Shawarma Bowl 🌯✨

This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a bold, flavor-packed meal featuring juicy, spiced chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a creamy tahini sauce. It’s quick, meal-prep friendly, and way better than takeout. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes—no rotisserie required!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 lemons zest + juice
  • 2 tbsp shawarma spice mix see below
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped cucumbers
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives optional
  • ¼ cup pickled turnips or radishes
  • Pita bread or lettuce wraps

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 3 tbsp water
  • Salt to taste

Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix:

  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cloves

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon zest/juice, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
  • Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Make the Tahini Sauce

  • Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.

Assemble the Bowl

  • Start with a base of rice or quinoa.
  • Top with chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and pickled veggies.
  • Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve with pita or lettuce wraps.

Notes

✔️ Make it Spicy: Add harissa or jalapeños to the marinade.
✔️ Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu.
✔️ Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice and extra veggies.
✔️ Meal Prep Tip: Store components separately—assemble fresh!