7 Days of Delicious Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Okay, so, weeknights, right? They’re *crazy*. You’re running around, starving, and the last thing you wanna do is cook something healthy. I totally get it! That’s why I’m SO excited to share my secret weapon: Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls!

Seriously, these bowls are a total game-changer. They’re the EASIEST way to get a super high-protein, delicious, and actually balanced meal prepped for the entire week. I used to be the queen of ordering takeout (oops!), but then I started making these. Now I’ve got yummy, healthy lunches and dinners ready to go, and I’m not even tempted by greasy pizza. Plus, they’re surprisingly low calorie, which is always a win, am I right?

Trust me, if *I* can do it, you can do it. Let’s get prepping!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

• Quick and Easy Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

  Seriously, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? Not me! This recipe is all about getting a delicious and healthy meal prepped FAST. I’m talking about saving you tons of time during the week. No more last-minute takeout orders – yay!

• Packed with Protein for a Healthy Lifestyle

  Protein is SO important, you guys! It keeps you full, helps build muscle (hello, gains!), and gives you energy to power through your day. These bowls are absolutely LOADED with protein, making them a perfect part of a balanced diet. You’ll feel amazing, trust me!

• Delicious Shawarma Flavor in Every Bite

  Okay, the flavor is where this recipe *really* shines. We’re talking authentic shawarma taste thanks to my magic spice blend (shhh, it’s a secret…just kidding, I’m sharing it!). It’s seriously addictive. You won’t even realize you’re eating something good for you!

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty easy to find at your local grocery store!

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (trust me, thighs are juicier!)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always best!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a garlic lover, so sometimes I add a little extra!)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, but I love a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
• 4 cups cooked quinoa (you can cook this ahead of time to save time!)
• 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup hummus (store-bought is fine, or make your own if you’re feeling fancy!)
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (same as hummus!)

How to Prepare Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to how to actually *make* these Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls. Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on deliciousness in no time!

Marinating the Chicken Shawarma

First things first, we gotta marinate that chicken! In a large bowl, throw in your chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all those amazing spices (paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cayenne if you’re using it), plus salt and pepper. Mix it all up REALLY well so the chicken is totally coated. Now, this is important: let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better, honestly! This is how the chicken gets super tender and absorbs all that incredible shawarma flavor. I usually pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours if I have the time!

Baking the Chicken to Perfection

Alright, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure it’s not overcrowded, or it won’t cook evenly! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through. You’ll want to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (it should be 165°F/74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into a piece to make sure it’s no longer pink inside. Careful, it’ll be hot!

Assembling Your Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Now for the grand finale: assembling your bowls! Grab your meal prep containers (I use these glass ones I got on Amazon!) and divide the cooked quinoa evenly among them. Then, add your chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Finally, top with that delicious baked chicken shawarma! I like to put the chicken on top so it doesn’t make the veggies soggy. Serve with a dollop of hummus and tzatziki sauce on the side. And there you have it! Your Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls are ready to rock your week!

Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Want to take these Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for making them absolutely perfect every single time.

Spice It Up!

Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices! If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper (or even a dash of hot sauce!). If you’re not a fan of turmeric, you can reduce it a bit. The key is to find a spice blend that YOU love. Also, pro tip: use high-quality spices! They really do make a difference in the overall flavor.

Fresh Ingredients for Optimal Flavor

Okay, this one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: use fresh veggies! Seriously, the taste and texture are SO much better than anything pre-cut or frozen. I especially love using locally grown tomatoes and cucumbers when they’re in season. You can really taste the difference! Plus, fresh ingredients just make you feel good, you know?

Ingredient Notes and Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls Substitutions

Alright, so sometimes you might not have *every* ingredient on hand, or maybe you just wanna switch things up a bit! No problem! These Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls are super flexible. Here are a few easy swaps you can make:

Quinoa Alternatives

Not a quinoa fan? No sweat! Brown rice works great in these bowls. Couscous or even farro would also be delish! Just make sure whatever grain you use is cooked according to the package directions. Easy peasy!

Chicken Substitutions

If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can totally swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breast or even ground turkey. Just keep in mind that chicken breast can dry out a bit more easily, so don’t overcook it! And ground turkey will give it a slightly different texture, but it’s still super yummy.

Sauce Swaps

Don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand? Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute! You can even add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to make it extra flavorful. As for the hummus, feel free to get creative! There are tons of different flavors of hummus out there, so find one you love (roasted red pepper is my personal fave!).

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Okay, so you’ve prepped your bowls – awesome! Now, how do you keep ’em fresh? Just pop them in the fridge in airtight containers. They’ll last for up to 4 days, which is perfect for a week’s worth of lunches! When you’re ready to eat, just microwave for a couple of minutes, or until heated through. Easy peasy!

FAQs About Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

How long do Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls last?

Good question! You can keep these babies in the fridge for up to 4 days. That’s why they’re perfect for healthy meal prep for the week! Just make sure they’re in airtight containers, okay?

Can I freeze Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls?

Yep, you sure can! If you wanna make these even further in advance, freezing is totally an option. I recommend letting the chicken cool completely before freezing, and then store the bowls in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave. Just be aware that the veggies might be a *little* softer after freezing, but they’ll still taste great!

Is this Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowl recipe gluten-free?

Good news – yes, it is! As long as you’re using gluten-free quinoa and your hummus and tzatziki don’t have any sneaky gluten ingredients (always double-check labels!). If you *do* need to make substitutions, remember you can always swap the quinoa for brown rice! These high protein dinner ideas can also be low carb if you swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice, just saying!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, I can’t give you precise nutritional information for these Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls. Just keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your own ingredients if you’re tracking macros or calories, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls!

Alright, that’s it! I’m seriously so excited for you to try these Chicken Shawarma Protein Meal Prep Bowls! I know you’re gonna love them as much as I do. Once you give them a whirl, please come back and let me know what you think! Rate the recipe and share your pics on social media – I wanna see your amazing meal prep creations!

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