Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowls: A Healthy Mediterranean Delight

In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has gained significant popularity, especially among individuals who are looking for healthier eating habits. Known for its heart-healthy fats, lean proteins, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, the Mediterranean diet offers a variety of delicious and nutritious meal options. One such dish that has taken the spotlight is the Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowl – a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe is a must-try for your next healthy bowl meal!

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that consists of seasoned meat (typically lamb, beef, or chicken) that is slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a wrap or pita bread. It’s known for its bold and flavorful spices, including cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric, that create a mouthwatering taste. While shawarma is typically served with bread, this low-carb version swaps out the bread for a healthier and lighter option – a bowl filled with fresh veggies, greens, and a deliciously spiced chicken.

Why Choose Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowls?

When it comes to creating healthy bowls, the goal is to combine high-quality protein with nutrient-dense vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber-rich ingredients. A low-carb chicken shawarma bowl checks all the boxes, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal while keeping the carbohydrate content to a minimum. This is ideal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal without the heaviness of bread or rice.

Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowls

To make this Mediterranean-inspired dish, you’ll need a variety of fresh ingredients that work together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need for your low-carb chicken shawarma bowl:

For the Chicken Marinade:

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Lean protein is the star of this recipe, providing a hearty and filling base for the bowl.
L'huile d'Olive: A key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, olive oil adds healthy fats and depth of flavor.
Poudre d'ail: For a mild, fragrant garlic flavor.
Ground cumin: A staple in shawarma seasoning, cumin brings a warm and earthy flavor.
Ground paprika: Adds smokiness and color to the chicken.
Ground turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric contributes to the shawarma’s signature yellow hue.
Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly sweet taste that balances the other spices.
Le sel et le poivre: To season the chicken and enhance the overall flavors.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acidity, which brightens the flavors of the chicken.

Pour la Salade:

Mixed greens: A combination of leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce forms the base of the salad, providing fiber and essential vitamins.
Concombre: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a hydrating element to the bowl.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes offer a burst of freshness and color.
Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory chicken.
Kalamata olives: These briny olives offer a Mediterranean flavor and a healthy source of fats.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch to the bowl.

For the Tahini Sauce:

Tahini: Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is the creamy base of the sauce and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
L'ail: Fresh garlic provides an extra kick to the sauce.
Lemon juice: Acidity from lemon juice helps balance the richness of the tahini.
L'huile d'Olive: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.
L'eau: To thin out the tahini and make the sauce pourable.
Sel: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Making a low-carb chicken shawarma bowl is incredibly easy and quick. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, protein-packed Mediterranean meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together to form a marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Etape 2: faire Cuire le Poulet

Once the chicken has marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss the ingredients together to create a fresh and colorful salad.

Step 4: Make the Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and water. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if needed. The sauce should be creamy and pourable, perfect for drizzling over the chicken and salad.

Étape 5: assemblage du Bols

To assemble your low-carb chicken shawarma bowls, start by adding a generous portion of the salad mixture to the bottom of each bowl. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and drizzle the tahini sauce over the top. Garnish with extra Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Benefits of Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Low-carb chicken shawarma bowls are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons why this recipe is an excellent choice for a healthy meal:

Riche en Protéines: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Protein also helps keep you feeling full longer, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet.
Riche en Nutriments: The fresh vegetables in the salad provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens like spinach are rich in iron, calcium, and folate, while tomatoes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene.
Faible en Glucides: By eliminating bread and rice, this recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The focus is on fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, making it a filling yet low-calorie option.
Riche en Graisses Saines: The olive oil and tahini sauce provide a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
Easy to Customize: One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be easily adapted to suit your personal taste preferences. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your dietary needs, such as using grilled vegetables instead of raw salad greens or adding a side of roasted cauliflower for extra fiber.

Why It’s a Perfect Fit for Mediterranean Bowls Recipes

Mediterranean meals are all about fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and balanced nutrition. Low-carb chicken shawarma bowls fit perfectly within this theme, offering a nutrient-dense meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re following an easy Mediterranean diet, looking for healthy bowls recipes, or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe is a perfect choice.

Shawarma bowls are also a great way to enjoy power bowls that are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce offers a satisfying meal that will fuel your body with the nutrients it needs while keeping carbs in check.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal, the Low Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowl is an excellent option. Not only does it offer all the delicious flavors of traditional shawarma, but it also incorporates fresh Mediterranean ingredients and healthy fats, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat cleaner while enjoying a satisfying meal. With the ability to customize the bowl to fit your taste preferences, this recipe can easily become a staple in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re preparing salad bowl meals for yourself or looking for an impressive dish to serve to guests, the low-carb chicken shawarma bowl is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a healthy Mediterranean diet in the form of a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for any occasion!