If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy, then my grilled chicken shawarma bowl is just what you need! It’s packed with flavors that’ll take your taste buds on a journey to the Middle East, thanks to the aromatic shawarma spices that bring everything to life. The juicy grilled chicken, paired with fresh veggies and creamy tahini sauce, creates a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Plus, this bowl is fantastic for meal prep! You can whip up a couple of servings in no time, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy weekdays. Trust me, once you give this grilled chicken shawarma bowl a try, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice mix, feel free to adjust based on your spice preference
- 1 cup cooked rice, white or brown—whatever you prefer!
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, fresh for that juicy burst
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced, adds a nice crunch
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced, for a little zing
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, brightens up the dish
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce, creamy and rich—perfect for drizzling!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and sprinkle the shawarma spice mix. You can use your hands to massage that marinade into the chicken—trust me, it’s therapeutic! Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours. That’ll really amp up the flavor!
Grilling the Chicken
Now, it’s grilling time! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—around 400°F (200°C) is perfect. Once it’s ready, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want that gorgeous char and for the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This step is crucial as it keeps the juices locked in!
Assembling the Bowl
Alright, let’s build this beautiful bowl! Start with a scoop of cooked rice as your base—white or brown, it’s up to you! Then, layer on the diced tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for that fresh touch. Finally, add your perfectly grilled chicken slices right on top and drizzle with that creamy tahini sauce. Voila! You’ve got a colorful and delicious grilled chicken shawarma bowl that’s ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the aromatic shawarma spices and fresh veggies makes every bite a flavor bomb that’s simply irresistible!
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, this bowl is a nutritious meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ve got healthy lunches ready to go. Just grab and enjoy!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste—this bowl is totally yours to personalize!
Tips for Success
To make sure your grilled chicken shawarma bowl turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the marinating time—allowing the chicken to soak up those spices really enhances the flavor. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the shawarma spice mix for an extra kick!
When it comes to serving, I love pairing this bowl with warm pita bread or a side of tabbouleh for some extra texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist! And remember, this bowl is super versatile, so mix and match your favorite veggies or grains to keep things exciting. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional breakdown of my grilled chicken shawarma bowl! Each bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
So, whether you’re watching your macros or just looking for a wholesome meal, this bowl fits the bill! Enjoy every flavorful bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! While my grilled chicken shawarma bowl features tender chicken breasts, you can totally switch things up. Beef or lamb works wonderfully, too! Just remember to adjust the cooking times since different meats have different thicknesses and needs. If you go for beef, I recommend using flank steak or sirloin, while lamb chops or leg of lamb would also be delicious. Just make sure to marinate them with the shawarma spices for that same incredible flavor!
How can I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a good problem to have!), simply store your grilled chicken shawarma bowl in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. You might want to add a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out. If you prefer, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat—just stir it gently until everything’s warmed through!
What can I substitute for tahini?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, don’t worry! There are a few great substitutes you can try. For a similar creamy texture, you could use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is fantastic; just mix it with a bit of lemon juice and garlic for that extra zing! You could even whip up a simple avocado sauce—just mash ripe avocado with a splash of lemon juice, and you’ll have a creamy alternative that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the bowl!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your grilled chicken shawarma bowl is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy those delicious flavors again soon! When you’re ready to dig back in, you can either microwave it for a quick reheat—just add a splash of water to keep the rice moist—or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through. This way, you can savor the amazing taste without losing any of that juicy goodness!
For more delicious recipes, check out Greek Turkey Meatballs with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
Print
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl: 5 Steps to Flavorful Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and healthy grilled chicken shawarma bowl packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice mix
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil and shawarma spices.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Remove chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare a bowl with rice, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Top the bowl with sliced chicken and drizzle with tahini sauce.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Serve with pita bread if desired.
- This bowl is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled chicken shawarma bowl
