Chicken Shawarma Bowl

If you're craving the bold, smoky flavor of shawarma but want something fresh, light, and customizable, this Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowl is the perfect solution. Inspired by classic Middle Eastern flavors, this bowl features grilled spiced chicken, crisp cucumber-tomato salad, creamy hummus, and lemony tahini dressing, all nestled over a bed of greens and topped with quick pickled onions.

This recipe balances hearty protein with fresh textures and zippy dressing — no wrap needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Packed with bold Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs

• Protein-rich and naturally gluten-free

• Includes make-ahead components like pickled onions & grilled chicken

• Easy to assemble and meal-prep friendly

• Perfectly balanced: creamy, crunchy, spicy, and tangy

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowl hits all the right notes — bold spice, creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tangy pickled onions that make every bite pop. Whether you’re meal-prepping or building a weeknight dinner in under an hour, this bowl brings serious flavor and flexibility to your table.

Skip the takeout — this is how you do shawarma at home.

Yield: 4 servings

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Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 45 Min

If you're craving the bold, smoky flavor of shawarma but want something fresh, light, and customizable, this Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowl is the perfect solution. Inspired by classic Middle Eastern flavors, this bowl features grilled spiced chicken, crisp cucumber-tomato salad, creamy hummus, and lemony tahini dressing, all nestled over a bed of greens and topped with quick pickled onions.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

For the Pickled Onions

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tahini Dressing

• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2–4 tablespoons warm water to thin
• Salt to taste

For the Bowls

• 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra heartiness)
• 1 cup hummus
• Fresh parsley & mint for garnish
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a jar or bowl. Add sliced red onions and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 1 week).
2. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
3. Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred at the edges. Let rest, then slice thinly.
4. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until smooth and pourable.
5. In each bowl, layer chopped greens, cucumber, and tomatoes. Add a scoop of hummus, sliced shawarma chicken, a spoonful of pickled onions, and cooked quinoa or rice (if using). Drizzle with tahini dressing and top with herbs and a lemon wedge.

Notes

Meal prep it: Store components separately and assemble fresh throughout the week.

Vegetarian version: Use crispy chickpeas or grilled halloumi instead of chicken.

Make it spicy: Add harissa or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.

No tahini? Sub with plain Greek yogurt or hummus thinned with lemon juice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

633

Carbs

34 g

Cholesterol

162 mg

Fat

36 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

27 g

Protein

44 g

Sat. Fat

6 g

Sodium

1046 mg

Sugar

7 g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.