Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a grilled chicken shawarma bowl? It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a perfect healthy meal option. I remember one family gathering when I whipped up this vibrant bowl, and everyone just couldn’t get enough. The juicy, marinated chicken paired with fresh veggies and creamy tahini sauce had everyone raving. It’s one of those meals that brings people together around the table, and honestly, it’s so simple to make! You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and it’s perfect for meal prep too. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a regular in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Before we dive into the deliciousness of this grilled chicken shawarma bowl, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, having everything ready makes the cooking process so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice mix
- 1 cup cooked rice (I love using jasmine or basmati for that extra fragrance!)
- 1 cup chopped lettuce (feel free to mix it up with spinach or arugula for a twist)
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced (crunchy and refreshing!)
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce (adds that creamy goodness)
- 1/4 cup yogurt (Greek yogurt works wonders here)
- Salt to taste
These ingredients blend together to create a vibrant, satisfying bowl that’s not just pretty to look at but also super flavorful. Don’t forget, you can adjust the veggies to your liking or even throw in some olives or pickles for an extra kick!
How to Prepare Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Now, let’s get into the fun part: making this delicious grilled chicken shawarma bowl! It’s all about marinating, grilling, and assembling to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Follow my steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Marinate the Chicken
The first step is super important—marinating the chicken! In a bowl, combine your chicken breasts with the olive oil and shawarma spice mix. Make sure to coat the chicken well so every bite is packed with flavor. Cover it and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens. The longer you let it sit, the more those spices seep into the chicken, making it juicy and delicious!
Grill the Chicken
Once the chicken’s marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium heat. I usually aim for around 350°F (175°C). Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the chicken is beautifully charred. After grilling, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into juicy strips. This resting time helps keep all those tasty juices inside!
Assemble the Bowl
Now comes the fun part—assembling your bowl! Start with a base of cooked rice in your bowl, then layer on the chopped lettuce, diced tomato, and cucumber. Next, add those flavorful chicken strips right on top. Finally, drizzle that creamy tahini sauce and yogurt over everything. For a beautiful presentation, you can sprinkle a little extra shawarma spice or fresh herbs on top. And voilà! You’ve got a stunning, colorful bowl that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed in each serving of this grilled chicken shawarma bowl! These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how nutritious this meal is. Each bowl comes in at around:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g (with only 2g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This bowl is not only packed with flavor but also a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. With a good balance of protein and carbs, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal, especially post-workout! Just keep in mind that individual ingredients might slightly alter these values, so feel free to customize as you like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor from the aromatic shawarma spices.
- Healthy ingredients make it a satisfying meal without the guilt.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies and toppings.
- Great for meal prep; just make a batch and enjoy it all week!
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Tips for Success
To take your grilled chicken shawarma bowl to the next level, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t rush the marination—if you can, let the chicken sit for an hour or even overnight. This allows those spices to really penetrate the meat, giving you maximum flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can also use a store-bought shawarma marinade, but I promise, homemade is worth the extra effort.
When grilling, keep an eye on the temperature; too high, and you risk burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Also, try using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches that perfect 165°F (75°C). For added flavor, you can toss some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini on the grill too! They’ll soak up those smoky flavors and make your bowl even more delicious. Lastly, don’t forget to let the chicken rest before slicing—it really makes a difference in keeping it juicy!
Variations of Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl
The beauty of the grilled chicken shawarma bowl is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your mood or dietary preferences. For a different protein, try using marinated grilled shrimp or even lamb for a delicious twist. If you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works wonders—just make sure to marinate them like you would the chicken!
Feeling adventurous? Add unique toppings like pickled red onions, feta cheese, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. You can also toss in some roasted chickpeas for an extra crunch. And don’t forget about the sauces—try a spicy harissa or a zesty chimichurri for a new flavor profile! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this bowl so exciting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers from your grilled chicken shawarma bowl (which I hope you do because it’s delicious!), storing them properly is key to keeping all that flavor intact. First, let the bowl cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just remember to separate the sauces if possible to avoid sogginess!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. I recommend using the microwave for a quick fix, but if you want to maintain that grilled flavor, try warming it up in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Just add a splash of water to the pan to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll get that lovely warmth without losing the dish’s delightful textures. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this grilled chicken shawarma bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bowl is fantastic for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep the veggies chopped and ready to go in the fridge. Just grill the chicken fresh when you’re ready to assemble your bowl for the best flavor and texture!
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works beautifully! Just make sure to marinate them like you would the chicken for that delicious shawarma flavor. You could also try using grilled chickpeas for a protein-packed twist!
How spicy is the shawarma spice mix?
The spice level can vary depending on the brand you use or if you’re making your own. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spice mix or even add a little extra yogurt or tahini to balance the heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Definitely! Brown rice is a great option if you’re looking for more fiber and nutrients. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers from the grilled chicken shawarma bowl?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the sauces to keep the bowl fresh and prevent sogginess. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy it again!
Learn more about healthy chicken bowls and explore more delicious recipes!
Print
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious grilled chicken shawarma bowl with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice mix
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with olive oil and shawarma spice mix for 30 minutes.
- Grill chicken on medium heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips.
- Assemble the bowl with rice, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and chicken.
- Drizzle tahini sauce and yogurt on top.
- Season with salt to taste.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels as per your preference.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grilled chicken shawarma bowl, chicken, shawarma, healthy bowl
