Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl

ByUsman

This Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl is full of rich spices, smoky grilled chicken, and fresh toppings. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, garlic, and warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, then grilled until tender and juicy. Served with rice or pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, this dish is both wholesome and delicious.

It’s a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even family gatherings. Every bite is full of flavor and balance — smoky chicken, crunchy vegetables, tangy olives, and smooth tahini sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice or warm pita bread
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley and mint, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Tahini Sauce

  • ¼ cup tahini paste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Coat the chicken with this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C). Oil the grill grates lightly.
Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden, charred, and cooked through (165°F / 75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce and Veggies

Whisk tahini paste, lemon juice, water, and salt until smooth.
Dice cucumber, slice red onion, halve cherry tomatoes, and mix with olives and fresh herbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a base of rice or pita bread.
Add sliced chicken, fresh veggies, and olives.
Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with feta (if using).
Serve with lemon wedges and extra herbs on top.

Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Marination: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~550 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This shawarma bowl is:

  • Full of flavor – spiced chicken with smoky char.
  • Wholesome and balanced – protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
  • Customizable – swap rice for cauliflower rice, skip the feta for dairy-free, or try chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • Perfect for meal prep – marinate chicken and prep veggies in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl is more than just dinner it’s a mix of tradition, flavor, and health. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-style shawarma at home. Try it once, and it might just become a regular on your weekly menu.

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