Chicken & Turkey

Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Name: Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1 cup (120g) mixed veggies, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini; 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup (60g) diced cucumber; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dill; 2 tbsp (30g) lemon juice; 1 tsp (5g) honey

By Tyler Brooks · June 18, 2026 · Chicken & Turkey

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a Chicken Shawarma Bowl - the combination of juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce was love at first bite. As a competitive rower turned recipe developer, I'm always on the lookout for protein-forward meals that actually taste like dinner. This recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The great thing about this recipe is that it's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. You can make a big batch of chicken and veggies on the weekend, and then assemble the bowls throughout the week. It's also a great option for a crowd - simply multiply the ingredients and you're good to go.

So what makes this recipe special? For starters, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, which gives it a ton of flavor. Then, it's grilled to perfection and served on top of a bed of crispy veggies. But the real star of the show is the tzatziki sauce - made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill, it's the perfect complement to the spicy chicken and veggies.

This recipe is for anyone who loves a good Chicken Shawarma Bowl. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a meal prep master, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your tastes. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make a delicious Chicken Shawarma Bowl from scratch. From the marinade to the tzatziki sauce, we'll cover it all. So let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your tastes.
It's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
The chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, which gives it a ton of flavor.
The tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement to the spicy chicken and veggies.
It's a great option for a crowd - simply multiply the ingredients and you're good to go.
You can make a big batch of chicken and veggies on the weekend, and then assemble the bowls throughout the week.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the marinade. By using a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, we're able to add a ton of flavor to the chicken without overpowering it. The acidity in the lemon juice also helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By grilling the chicken and veggies, we're able to get a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This is especially important for the chicken, which can quickly become dry and overcooked if not cooked properly.

Finally, the tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement to the spicy chicken and veggies. The cool and creamy sauce helps to balance out the heat, while the cucumber and dill add a fresh and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, we're keeping things simple and flavorful. We'll be using a combination of chicken, veggies, and spices to create a delicious and protein-forward meal. Be sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken and veggies.

One shopping tip to keep in mind is to look for chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. This will make it easier to marinate and cook the chicken, and will also help to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for chicken breasts that are fresh and of high quality. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that is rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder as a substitute if you don't have fresh garlic on hand.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano has a more subtle flavor than fresh oregano, but it's still a great addition to this dish.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. You can use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a high-quality salt that is fresh and has a clean flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
1 cup (120g) mixed veggies, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchiniChoose a variety of colorful veggies to add flavor and texture to the dish.
1 cup (240g) Greek yogurtUse a high-quality Greek yogurt that is rich in protein and has a smooth texture.
1/2 cup (60g) diced cucumberUse a fresh and crunchy cucumber for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dillUse fresh dill for the best flavor. You can also use dried dill as a substitute if you don't have fresh dill on hand.
2 tbsp (30g) lemon juiceUse freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) honeyUse a high-quality honey that is rich in flavor and has a smooth texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatulaTongs or slotted spoon

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the veggies. Cut the bell peppers, onions, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Add the veggies to the grill or grill pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and lightly charred.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, and honey to make the tzatziki sauce.
7
To assemble the bowls, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add to a bowl. Top with the grilled veggies, tzatziki sauce, and any desired toppings, such as pickled onions or sumac.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy!
9
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and veggies up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the bowls just before serving.
10
You can also customize the dish to your tastes by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of protein, such as steak or tofu.
11
To make the dish more substantial, you can add some quinoa or brown rice to the bowl, or serve with a side of pita bread or naan.
12
Finally, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the chicken or veggies, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing.

Expert Tips

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcook the chicken or veggies, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Use a variety of colorful veggies to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Customize the dish to your tastes by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of protein.
Make the dish ahead of time by cooking the chicken and veggies up to a day in advance and storing them in the refrigerator.
Assemble the bowls just before serving to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh and crunchy veggies and rich and creamy Greek yogurt.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things - this dish is highly customizable and can be made to suit your tastes and preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken or veggies, which can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not customizing the dish to your tastes, which can make it boring and unappetizing.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Not assembling the bowls just before serving, which can result in a loss of flavor and texture.
Not experimenting and trying new things, which can make the dish stale and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of protein, such as steak or tofu, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some quinoa or brown rice to the bowl to make the dish more substantial.
Use different types of veggies, such as broccoli or carrots, to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by using spicy toppings, such as hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Use different types of sauce, such as hummus or tahini, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add some freshness to the dish by using herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, as a topping.
Make the dish more substantial by adding some cheese, such as feta or parmesan, to the bowl.

What to Serve With Chicken Shawarma Bowl

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as pita bread or naan, or with a simple green salad. You can also customize the dish to your tastes by adding your favorite toppings, such as pickled onions or sumac.

One of the best things about this dish is that it's highly customizable, so feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients or toppings. Some other ideas for sides or toppings include roasted vegetables, grilled halloumi cheese, or a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Pita bread or naanSimple green saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled halloumi cheeseDollop of tzatziki saucePickled onions or sumac

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the cooked chicken and veggies in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the chicken and veggies until warmed through. You can also add the tzatziki sauce and any desired toppings just before serving.

One tip for reheating is to use a low heat and to stir frequently, as this can help to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also add a little bit of water or lemon juice to the dish if it seems dry, as this can help to revive the flavors and textures.

Finally, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the chicken or veggies, as this can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. By following these tips and storing the dish properly, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner and slightly drier result, while chicken thighs will be more tender and juicy.

Can I use different types of veggies?

Yes, you can use a variety of veggies for this recipe, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

What is tzatziki sauce?

Tzatziki sauce is a Greek yogurt-based sauce that is flavored with cucumber, dill, and lemon juice. It's a refreshing and tangy condiment that's perfect for topping grilled meats or veggies.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken and veggies up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the bowls just before serving.

What are some good toppings for this dish?

Some good toppings for this dish include pickled onions, sumac, feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients!

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can use a different type of protein for this recipe, such as steak or tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I store this dish?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the cooked chicken and veggies in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

How do I reheat this dish?

To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the chicken and veggies until warmed through. You can also add the tzatziki sauce and any desired toppings just before serving.

The Full Recipe

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