Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Bright, aromatic, and ready in under an hour, these Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowls balance warm spiced chicken, nutty quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a tangy tahini drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Choose firm, pale-pink breasts for the best texture.
- 1 tsp ground cumin Part of the spice blend.
- 1 tsp ground coriander Part of the spice blend.
- 1 tsp paprika Part of the spice blend.
- 1/2 tsp turmeric Part of the spice blend.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Part of the spice blend.
- Salt and pepper to taste To season the chicken.
For the Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa Use pre-rinsed quinoa if available.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth Use for cooking quinoa.
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini Look for natural tahini with only sesame seeds.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice Adds tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced For flavoring the sauce.
- Salt to taste To season the sauce.
For Toppings
- 1 cup fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion) For topping the bowls.
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro) For garnish.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix all over both chicken breasts until evenly coated, then let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the rinse runs clear. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water or chicken broth in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed; fluff with a fork.
Cook the Chicken
- Grill or heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly against the grain.
Make the Tahini Sauce
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency that still clings to the spoon.
Assemble the Bowls
- Place a scoop of quinoa in each bowl, arrange sliced chicken on top, add fresh vegetables, and drizzle with tahini sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For meal prep, store components separately to maintain texture when reheating. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken.