Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Middle Eastern Meal With Flavourful Health
Serving fresh veggies, seasoned, grilled chicken, fresh toppings, chicken shawarma bowls are a delicious, protein-packed meal presented in a bowl instead of a wrap or pita. This makes it a wonderful low-carb, meal-prep-friendly recipe you can personalise to your liking.
This blog will address: What is a chicken shawarma bowl; Calories and nutritional benefits; Step-by-step recipe; Healthy swaps & serving ideas.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe Card
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 1.5 lbs (700g) | Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | For marination | |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Freshly minced | |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Enhances flavor and tenderness | |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | Essential Middle Eastern spice | |
| Paprika (or smoked paprika) | 1 tsp | Adds depth to flavor | |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp | Gives color and mild earthy taste | |
| Coriander | ½ tsp | Adds a citrusy touch | |
| Cinnamon | ¼ tsp | Adds warmth | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Adds mild spice | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste | |
| Base (Choose One) | Cooked basmati rice or quinoa | 1 cup | Traditional choice |
| Cauliflower rice | 1 cup | Low-carb alternative | |
| Chopped romaine, spinach, or kale | 1 cup | Salad base option | |
| Toppings & Garnishes | Cucumber (diced) | ½ cup | Fresh and crunchy |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | ½ cup | Adds sweetness | |
| Red onion (sliced) | ¼ cup | Sharp and tangy flavor | |
| Hummus | 2 tbsp | Creamy and rich | |
| Tzatziki or Garlic Yogurt Sauce | 1-2 tbsp | Adds tanginess | |
| Feta cheese (optional) | 2 tbsp | For extra flavor | |
| Fresh parsley or cilantro | 1 tbsp | For garnish |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices to create the marinade. |
| 2 | Add chicken thighs or breasts, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor). |
| 3 | Preheat grill, skillet, or oven. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C). Let rest before slicing. |
| 4 | Prepare your base (rice, quinoa, or greens) and arrange in a bowl. |
| 5 | Add sliced chicken, followed by veggies, hummus, and sauce. Garnish with parsley or feta if desired. |
| 6 | Serve immediately and enjoy! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Without Rice or Sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Fats | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~5g |
Storage & Meal Prep
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sauce separate. |
| Freeze | Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. |
| Reheat | Warm chicken on stovetop or microwave before assembling the bowl. |
📌 Tip: Assemble the bowls without the sauce for easier meal prep and freshness!
What Is a Chicken Shawarma Bowl
A chicken shawarma bowl is a deconstructed form of the Middle Eastern cuisine that is rather popular. Rather of pita bread, the marinated chicken is presented in a bowl with: Grilled or roasted chicken marinated in shawarma spices; A base (rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens); Toppings like fresh vegetables, hummus, and yoghurt sauce; A drizzle of sauce (garlic sauce, tahini, or tzatziki).
Perfect for meal prep, this makes this healthier, low-carb, and high-protein alternative.
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Homemade Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
One five pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the chicken.Three tablespoons olive oil: Three minced garlic cloves Two tablespoons lemon juice; one teaspoon cumin;One tsp paprika, either smoked or otherwise -½ tsp turmeric – ½ tsp ground coriander:½ tsp cinnamon½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl Base (Choose One), conventional 1 cup cooked basmati rice/quinoa; low-carb 1 cup cauliflower rice
Salad base chopped romaine, spinach, or kale
Cucumber, diced; cherry tomatoes, halved; red onion, sliced; hummus (2 tablespoons per bowl); tzatziki or garlicky yoghurt sauce (1–2 tablespoons per bowl); feta cheese (optional, for additional taste); fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Notes
To make the marinade, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices should be mixed in a bowl. 2 | | Add chicken thighs or breasts, coat well, and let marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for optimal flavor). 3 Preheat an oven, skillet, or grill. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until thoroughly done (internal temp 165°F/75°C). Let it settle before cutting. Prepare your base (rice, quinoa, or greens) then set in a bowl. Top with sliced chicken; then add vegetables, hummus, and sauce. If wanted, garnish with parsley or feta. 6 | Present straight away and enjoy! |
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Healthy Swaps & Customisations
Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped greens as the basis to keep low-carb.
Top with boiled eggs or more Greek yoghurt sauce; red pepper flakes or chilli sauce will add spice to the marinade.
Skip tzatziki and feta and substitute tahini sauce in your dairy-free option.
Replace chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas using the same spices.
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Meal Prep & Storage Advice
Storage Method | Instructions | Refrigerate | Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep sauces distinct. Chicken keeps well for up to 3 months when frozen. Thaw over night then reheat. Warm chicken on stovetop or microwave for optimum results. |
Assemble the bowls without sauce and save them in containers for easy grab-and-go meals!
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Final Thoughts
Perfect for lunch, supper, or meal prep, a chicken shawarma bowl is healthy, flavourful, and customisable meal. Whether your taste is for rice, greens, or quinoa, it’s a terrific approach to savour Middle Eastern tastes while still being healthy.
5 FAQ: Chicken Shawarma Bowl
1. Is a chicken shawarma bowl healthy?
Yes! A chicken shawarma bowl is high in protein and nutrients, especially when served with fresh veggies and a lighter sauce. Using a salad base or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice makes it even lower in carbs and more nutritious.
2. How many calories are in a chicken shawarma bowl?
The calorie count depends on your ingredients, but here’s a rough estimate:
- With rice & sauce: ~450-600 kcal
- With cauliflower rice & light sauce: ~300-400 kcal
- With extra hummus & cheese: ~600+ kcal
To lower calories, use Greek yogurt-based sauce and lean chicken breast instead of thighs.
3. What can I use instead of rice in a shawarma bowl?
If you want a low-carb or lighter option, try:
✔ Cauliflower rice
✔ Zucchini noodles
✔ Quinoa (for extra protein)
✔ Chopped romaine or spinach (for a salad-style bowl)
4. Can I make a chicken shawarma bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep. Store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat. Keep sauce in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
5. What sauces go well with a chicken shawarma bowl?
Popular sauces include:
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki) – Light and tangy
- Tahini Sauce – Nutty and creamy
- Hummus – Classic Mediterranean dip
- Spicy Harissa or Chili Sauce – Adds heat
