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Healthy Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowls Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowls combine flavorful marinated chicken with fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables, all topped with a creamy homemade tahini sauce. This wholesome meal offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vibrant spices, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Quinoa

  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 1.5 cups water

Chicken Marinade and Cooking

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless)
  • 1 clove garlic (smashed and minced)
  • 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken after marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning chicken after marinade)

Vegetables and Salad

  • 2 naan flatbreads (toasted or warmed slightly)
  • 1/4 small red onion
  • 1/2-3/4 bell pepper (red or green)
  • 1/2 English cucumber
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1-2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley

Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 clove garlic (smashed and minced)
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 3 TBSP warm water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Toast and Cook Quinoa: Rinse and drain quinoa using a mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, lightly toast quinoa for a few minutes while stirring to enhance nuttiness. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 12-13 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
  2. Prep Vegetables: While quinoa cooks, chop red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley. Mince garlic and slice grape tomatoes in half. Set aside.
  3. Flatten Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, place another paper towel on top, and pound with a meat mallet or heavy pan to 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
  4. Marinate Chicken: In a large shallow bowl or resealable bag, combine cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken and coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Fluff Quinoa: Remove cooked quinoa from heat, fluff with a fork, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  6. Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once oil shimmers, add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to plate and rest while assembling bowls.
  7. Make Salad: In a bowl, combine chopped onion, bell pepper, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and parsley. Dress with juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  8. Prepare Tahini Sauce: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Slowly add warm water while whisking until the sauce is thin and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  9. Slice Chicken: Slice cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  10. Assemble Bowls: Either layer quinoa, salad vegetables, and chicken on plates or toss quinoa and veggies together for even distribution. Drizzle tahini sauce on top and serve with warmed naan flatbreads. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Lightly toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nuttiness and texture but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop; longer marination in the refrigerator is possible if preferred.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Warm naan flatbreads can be served on the side or torn and mixed into the bowl.
  • The tahini sauce can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less warm water depending on preference.
  • Vegetables can be swapped or added according to seasonal availability or personal preference.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/healthy-chicken-shawarma-quinoa-bowls-recipe/