Who doesn’t love a dish packed with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a healthy dose of comfort? Shawarma bowls are the perfect blend of Middle Eastern spices, tender chicken, and fresh veggies. They’re satisfying, versatile, and now, easily customizable to fit a low-carb lifestyle.
If you’re watching your carbs but still want to indulge in the deliciousness of shawarma, you’re in for a treat. By swapping traditional high-carb staples like rice or pita bread with wholesome alternatives, you can create a nutrient-packed bowl that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
From creamy tahini sauces to smoky roasted vegetables, this roundup of 12 unique low-carb chicken shawarma bowl ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to keep your meals exciting. Let’s dive into these flavor-packed creations!
What Makes a Chicken Shawarma Bowl Low Carb?
Traditional shawarma dishes are often served with carb-heavy accompaniments like pita bread, rice, or fries. However, with a few thoughtful swaps, you can create a bowl that’s both low-carb and utterly satisfying.
Low-Carb Substitutions for Shawarma Bowls:
- Cauliflower Rice: A grain-free alternative that absorbs the flavors of the spices beautifully.
- Leafy Greens: Use spinach, kale, or arugula as a fresh, nutrient-rich base.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Perfect for adding texture and keeping things light.
- Healthy Fats: Include avocado, tahini, or olive oil for creaminess and flavor.
- Low-Carb Veggies: Load up on cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and radishes.
These simple adjustments help create a balanced bowl that’s bursting with the flavors of shawarma without the extra carbs. Ready to explore the possibilities?
1. Classic Low-Carb Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way to go. This bowl delivers all the classic shawarma flavors without the extras.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated in shawarma spices (paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, and cayenne).
- Cauliflower rice sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
- Fresh cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.
- Drizzle of creamy tahini sauce.
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!).
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through and golden brown.
- Assemble the bowl with cauliflower rice as the base, topped with veggies and sliced chicken.
- Finish with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
2. Greek-Inspired Shawarma Bowl
Bring Mediterranean flair to your shawarma bowl with this Greek-inspired twist.
Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken breast seasoned with shawarma spices.
- Baby spinach as the base.
- Feta cheese crumbles, kalamata olives, and diced cucumbers.
- A dollop of tzatziki sauce for creaminess.
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken until juicy and slightly charred.
- Arrange baby spinach in the bowl and top with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
- Add the sliced chicken and finish with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
3. Spicy Shawarma Bowl with Avocado Cream
Turn up the heat with this spicy shawarma bowl, balanced by a cooling avocado cream sauce.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated with extra cayenne and smoked paprika.
- Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Sliced jalapeños, diced red bell peppers, and chopped cilantro.
- Avocado cream (blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt).
Instructions:
- Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until golden and fully cooked.
- Add your cauliflower rice or zoodles to the bowl and layer with veggies.
- Top with the sliced chicken and a generous drizzle of avocado cream.
4. Middle Eastern-Inspired Shawarma Bowl
This bowl stays true to traditional Middle Eastern flavors with yogurt-marinated chicken and vibrant herbs.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated in a classic shawarma spice blend with yogurt.
- Cauliflower tabbouleh (parsley, mint, cucumber, and tomatoes).
- Pickled red onions and a dollop of hummus.
Instructions:
- Grill the marinated chicken and slice it thinly.
- Prepare the cauliflower tabbouleh by combining chopped ingredients with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Layer the tabbouleh, chicken, and pickled onions in your bowl.
5. Shawarma Bowl with Roasted Veggies
Roasting veggies adds a smoky depth of flavor that perfectly complements shawarma chicken.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breast seasoned with shawarma spices.
- Roasted cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Arugula or spinach as the base.
- Tahini or garlic yogurt dressing.
Instructions:
- Roast the veggies in the oven at 400°F until tender and lightly charred.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken and slice it thinly.
- Arrange the greens in the bowl and layer with roasted veggies and chicken.
- Drizzle with dressing.
6. Low-Carb Shawarma Salad Bowl
This salad-inspired shawarma bowl is light, refreshing, and perfect for lunch.
Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken breast or thighs.
- Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onions.
- Lemon-tahini dressing.
Instructions:
- Toss the mixed greens and veggies in a large bowl.
- Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with the lemon-tahini dressing.
7. Keto-Friendly Shawarma Bowl
Packed with healthy fats and protein, this bowl is perfect for those following a keto diet.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated in olive oil and shawarma spices.
- Sliced avocado and a boiled egg.
- Spinach or kale as the base.
- A sprinkle of nuts or seeds for crunch.
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken thighs and slice them thinly.
- Arrange the spinach or kale in a bowl and top with avocado, egg, and chicken.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
8. Shawarma Bowl with Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash makes a fantastic low-carb base that adds a slightly sweet twist to your bowl.
Ingredients:
- Roasted spaghetti squash.
- Grilled chicken seasoned with shawarma spices.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes.
Instructions:
- Roast the spaghetti squash until tender, then shred it into spaghetti-like strands with a fork.
- Grill the chicken and slice it thinly.
- Layer the squash, chicken, and roasted tomatoes in your bowl.
9. Lebanese-Inspired Shawarma Bowl
This bowl pays homage to traditional Lebanese flavors with its garlic sauce and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated in yogurt, garlic, and spices.
- Fresh parsley and mint for garnish.
- Optional: Low-carb flatbread on the side.
Instructions:
- Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and tender.
- Arrange the chicken in a bowl with a base of greens or cauliflower rice.
- Top with fresh parsley and mint, and add garlic sauce for extra flavor.
10. Shawarma Bowl with Cauliflower Mash
Creamy cauliflower mash adds a comforting touch to this shawarma bowl.
Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken thighs.
- Cauliflower mash blended with garlic, butter, and a splash of cream.
- Sautéed spinach or kale.
Instructions:
- Prepare the cauliflower mash by steaming cauliflower and blending it with butter and garlic.
- Sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Assemble your bowl with the mash, spinach, and sliced chicken.
11. Shawarma Bowl with Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant adds a smoky, velvety texture to this shawarma bowl.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs marinated in shawarma spices.
- Grilled eggplant slices brushed with olive oil.
- Baby arugula and cherry tomatoes.
- Tahini-lemon dressing.
Instructions:
- Grill eggplant slices until tender and slightly charred.
- Cook the chicken until juicy and golden.
- Layer arugula, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
- Drizzle with tahini-lemon dressing.
12. Shawarma Bowl with Radish Slaw
Add a crunchy, refreshing twist to your shawarma bowl with a zesty radish slaw.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, grilled and thinly sliced.
- Radish slaw (thinly sliced radishes and red cabbage tossed with lemon juice and olive oil).
- Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy yogurt dressing (yogurt with cayenne, garlic, and paprika).
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken and slice into strips.
- Prepare the radish slaw by tossing the ingredients together.
- Layer the base of cauliflower rice or zoodles, followed by slaw and chicken.
- Finish with a drizzle of spicy yogurt dressing.
Wrapping It Up
With these 12 low-carb chicken shawarma bowls, you’ll never run out of meal ideas that are both healthy and flavorful. Each bowl is packed with bold Middle Eastern spices, fresh veggies, and delicious sauces that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re craving something classic, spicy, or loaded with veggies, there’s a recipe here for every palate.
Which one will you try first?
