If you’ve never tried shawarma-style chicken in a bowl, this is your sign. It’s smoky, savory, and full of warm spices. Pair that with cool cottage cheese, crisp cucumbers, and some lemony herbs? It’s a fast, protein-packed meal that hits all the right notes.
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl feels like something you’d grab from a Mediterranean takeout spot, but it’s totally doable at home. The chicken is juicy and loaded with flavor thanks to shawarma spices, and the cottage cheese adds a creamy contrast that cools everything down. I’ve made this for dinner, lunch, and even meal prep—and it never disappoints.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- 🌶️ Big, bold flavor with simple pantry spices
- 🍗 Chicken cooks fast and stays juicy
- 🧀 Cottage cheese adds cool, creamy protein
- 🍋 It’s light but still filling
- 🥗 Amazing with pickled onions or fresh herbs
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
📊 Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Yogurt + lemon juice marinade helps tenderize the chicken fast.
- Spices like cumin and paprika bring warmth without heat.
- Cottage cheese offers slow-digesting protein, keeping you full longer.
- Hot and cold textures (warm chicken, cold cottage cheese) boost satisfaction.
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
For the bowl:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- Optional toppings: parsley, red onion, hot sauce, lemon wedge
👨🍳 How to Make It
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.
3. Prep the Veggies
Slice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes while the chicken cooks.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Scoop ½ cup cottage cheese into each bowl. Add cooked chicken, tomatoes, and cucumber. Top with herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
🧾 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Double the chicken for bowls all week.
- Tuesday: Wrap it up in a pita with greens.
- Wednesday: Add rice or quinoa for a grain bowl.
- Thursday: Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Friday: Use leftovers for a shawarma flatbread pizza.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not slicing the chicken thinly – thicker cuts won’t cook evenly.
- Skipping the marinade time – even 10 minutes helps with flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding the skillet – cook in batches if needed for a good sear.
- Using too wet cottage cheese – thicker is better for texture.
🍽️ What to Serve With
This bowl is super filling on its own, but you can level it up with:
- 🫓 Warm pita or flatbread
- 🍚 A scoop of couscous or rice
- 🧄 Garlic sauce or tahini drizzle
- 🥗 A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette
❓ FAQ
Can I meal prep this bowl?
Yes! Store each element separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Is there a dairy-free swap for cottage cheese?
Try unsweetened plant-based yogurt or hummus.
What’s the best cut of chicken?
Chicken breast or thigh both work—just slice them thin.
Can I use store-bought shawarma spice blend?
Absolutely! Just use about 1–1.5 teaspoons instead of the listed spices.
How long will the chicken last in the fridge?
Up to 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
✨ Wrap-Up
This Shawarma Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is bold, balanced, and totally satisfying. It’s got creamy, spicy, juicy, and fresh all in one bite—and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Give it a go and make it your own with whatever toppings you love! 🌿🍗🥣