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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Bowls

chicken shawarma meal prep bowls - featured image

A quick and easy chicken shawarma recipe perfect for meal prep, featuring a flavorful spice marinade, garlic-tahini sauce, and fresh veggies for a healthy, satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 23 tbsp water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. While the chicken marinates, chop cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water until smooth and pourable. Add salt to taste. Add more water if needed to thin the sauce.
  5. Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among meal prep containers. Arrange the sliced chicken, chopped veggies, and fresh herbs on top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and drizzle with garlic-tahini sauce.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Do not overcrowd the pan to get a good sear. The garlic-tahini sauce can be thinned with water and sweetened with maple syrup or honey if too bitter. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omit feta or use plant-based cheese. Can bake chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes as an alternative to stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, meal prep, healthy lunch, quick dinner, Middle Eastern spices, garlic tahini sauce, easy chicken recipe