Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Whipped Feta and Yoghurt Sauce

There’s something magical about bringing Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen, especially when they come together as beautifully as they do in this Chicken Shawarma Bowl. As someone who’s always looking for ways to elevate everyday meals without spending hours in the kitchen, I’ve found this recipe to be a true game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Bowl

If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for dishes that balance convenience with that “wow” factor. This Chicken Shawarma Bowl delivers on both fronts. The aromatic spices infuse the tender chicken with incredible depth, while the whipped feta and yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast that ties everything together perfectly. Best of all, you can prep components ahead of time, making this an ideal solution for those hectic weekday evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures

What makes this Chicken Shawarma Bowl truly special is the thoughtful combination of textures and flavors. The warm, spiced chicken pairs wonderfully with cool, creamy whipped feta, while fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch. Every bite offers something different, creating a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

I first created this recipe after returning from a trip to a local Mediterranean festival. My kids, usually selective about trying new foods, couldn’t get enough of these flavor-packed bowls. Since then, it’s become our Thursday night tradition – something we all look forward to after a long week.

Tips for Bowl Perfection

Making this Chicken Shawarma Bowl even more spectacular is all about the little details. Here are a few insider tips I’ve discovered along the way:

• Don’t rush the marinade: This is where so much of the flavor develops. If you’re really pressed for time, even 15 minutes will make a difference, but the longer you can let those spices work their magic, the better your dish will taste.
• Customize your base: While rice works beautifully, don’t be afraid to switch it up with quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. My husband prefers bulgur wheat for its nutty flavor, while I often opt for a Mediterranean-style salad mix when I want something lighter.
• Make components ahead: The chicken marinates beautifully overnight, and the whipped feta sauce can be made up to three days in advance. Prep these on Sunday, and you’re halfway to a spectacular weeknight dinner!
• Warm your pita: If you decide to serve with pita bread (which I highly recommend), warm it slightly before serving. There’s nothing quite like tearing into warm, soft pita to scoop up all those delicious bowl ingredients.

Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Whipped Feta and Yoghurt Sauce

Recipe by Cristina NovaakCourse: DinnerCuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Shawarma Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• For the Whipped Feta and Yogurt Sauce:

• 6 ounces feta cheese

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked rice or grain of choice

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halve

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup mixed greens

• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted

• Fresh parsley and mint for garnish

• Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Marinate the Chicken
  In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though letting it sit overnight will truly allow those beautiful flavors to develop. (Trust me on this one – the longer, the better!)
• Prepare the Whipped Feta and Yogurt Sauce
  In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Process until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped dill, adding salt and pepper to taste. If you like your sauce a bit thinner, you can add a splash of water or more lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook the Chicken
  Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy around the edges. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
  Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Assemble Your Bowls
  Start with a base of your chosen grain in each serving bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mixed greens, and olives around the bowl. Add a generous dollop of the whipped feta and yogurt sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550kcal | Total Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 850mg | Total Carbohydrates: 30g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 40g

Delicious Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Looking for more dinner inspiration? After enjoying the flavorful Chicken Shawarma Bowl with its aromatic spices and creamy whipped feta, try these other fantastic options. The Quick Korean Beef Bulgogi offers a sweet-savory flavor profile with tender beef strips marinated in soy, brown sugar, and sesame, perfect served over rice with kimchi. For an Italian-inspired comfort meal, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce enhanced with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. All these recipes can be prepared in under 45 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Each dish offers a different cultural experience while using ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they tend to cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. I recommend reducing the cooking time by about 5 minutes and checking for doneness to ensure they stay juicy and tender.

How long does the whipped feta and yogurt sauce keep?

The sauce will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s actually one of those wonderful components that seems to get even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. It’s also delicious as a dip for vegetables or spread on sandwiches!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! This bowl is incredibly versatile. You can substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas, cauliflower, or portobello mushrooms. Simply toss your chosen alternative in the same shawarma spice mixture and roast until tender. I’ve made the chickpea version for my vegetarian sister, and it was a huge hit at our family gathering.

Are there any shortcuts I can take when making this recipe?

If you’re really pressed for time, you can use a pre-made shawarma spice blend instead of measuring out individual spices. Additionally, many grocery stores now carry pre-marinated chicken that you can substitute. Just be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with the flavors in this recipe.

Make It Your Own

What I love most about this Chicken Shawarma Bowl is how adaptable it is to personal preferences and what you have on hand. Some nights, I’ll add roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal, or throw in some finely chopped preserved lemon for an extra punch of flavor.

My daughter loves adding extra cucumber and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds when they’re in season, while my son has become quite the advocate for a drizzle of hot honey over the top. Each variation brings something new to the experience, making this recipe one that truly grows with your family.

This dish has become so much more than just dinner in our home – it’s a canvas for creativity and a reminder that extraordinary meals don’t have to be complicated. The combination of warm, aromatic chicken, cool, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a balance that feels both comforting and special.

So the next time you’re looking to break out of your dinner routine without breaking a sweat, give this Chicken Shawarma Bowl a try. I’d love to hear how you make it your own! For more Mediterranean-inspired dishes, check out my Greek Lemon Potatoes or Easy Homemade Hummus recipes that pair beautifully with this meal.

And if you’re looking to expand your repertoire of quick, flavorful weeknight dinners, don’t miss my collection of 30-Minute Meals That Don’t Sacrifice Flavor. After all, as I always say in my kitchen, good food brings people together, but it doesn’t have to keep the cook away from the table for hours to be memorable!

For more information about the health benefits of Mediterranean-style eating, I recommend checking out this informative article from Harvard Health Publishing, which explains why dishes like this Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be part of a balanced, nutritious diet.