Zesty Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Sizzling spices and tender meat come together in this mouthwatering chicken shawarma recipe that promises a culinary adventure straight from the streets of the Middle East.

Marinated with a vibrant blend of aromatic herbs and bold seasonings, the chicken develops an incredible depth of flavor that will transport you to bustling market stalls.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion, with layers of complex spices dancing across your palate.

The marinade works its magic, infusing the meat with richness and zest that elevates a simple dinner into an extraordinary meal.

Succulent and juicy, this shawarma delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.

Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests, this recipe guarantees a delicious journey through Middle Eastern cuisine.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Like a Pro

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange chicken shawarma with vibrant accompaniments like pickled turnips, crisp parsley, and zesty sumac-sprinkled onions for a stunning Middle Eastern-inspired presentation.
• Wrap and Roll Delight: Create portable handheld wraps by tucking sliced chicken, yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables into soft lavash or warm pita bread for a quick meal on-the-go.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve components separately on a large platter, allowing everyone to build their own custom shawarma with fresh herbs, extra sauce, and choice of toppings for interactive dining.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Complement the chicken shawarma with additional small dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, olives, and roasted red pepper dip to create a rich, communal eating experience.

Plan Ahead: Store Chicken Shawarma the Right Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Slice chicken and yogurt sauce can be separately frozen for future quick meals, lasting up to 2 months when properly sealed in freezer-safe containers.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare marinated chicken and chop vegetables in advance, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights and reducing daily cooking stress.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store yogurt sauce, sliced chicken, and chopped vegetables in separate containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients, enabling mix-and-match meal flexibility.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 30min

Total Time: 2hr 45min – 1 day

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Chicken Shawarma

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist during cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty undertone.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Coriander: Create complex, layered spice blend with rich color and warmth.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cloves: Add subtle heat and intense aromatic complexity.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances spice mixture.

• Chicken Thighs: Offers juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breast.
• Onion: Adds sweet caramelized notes and complements marinade.

• Pitas: Soft, pillowy bread perfect for wrapping shawarma.
• Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Garlic: Creates creamy, tangy sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces optional subtle heat to yogurt sauce.
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides crisp, fresh texture.
• Tomatoes, Cucumber: Add refreshing, juicy elements to the dish.

Tools You Need for Chicken Shawarma Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken thighs.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade spices and creating smooth yogurt sauce.
• Baking sheet: Crucial for roasting chicken and onions in the oven.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken after cooking.
• Sharp knife: Helps thinly slice chicken and prepare vegetables.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing yogurt sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for marinade.
• Cooking spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to baking sheet.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma at Home

Chicken Shawarma Adventure

• Flavor Fusion Marinade

Create a zesty blend of spices that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delight. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a symphony of spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Coat the chicken thighs generously and let them soak up the flavors in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

• Oven Roasting Magic

Crank up the oven and prepare for a culinary transformation. Spread the marinated chicken and onions on a baking sheet, letting the heat work its magic. Roast until the chicken turns golden and perfectly cooked, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing into tender strips.

• Creamy Yogurt Companion

Whip up a tangy yogurt sauce that will elevate the entire dish. Blend Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, and a hint of garlic. This cool, creamy sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced chicken.

• Shawarma Assembly

Build your ultimate shawarma by layering warm pitas with the aromatic sliced chicken, caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumber. Crown your creation with a generous dollop of the zesty yogurt sauce. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the streets of the Middle East.

Tweaks & Spice Ideas for Chicken Shawarma

• Let the chicken soak up those incredible spices for maximum flavor impact – longer marinating means more deliciousness seeping into every bite.
• Replace cayenne with smoked paprika for a milder heat, or add harissa paste for a North African twist that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even lamb for a different protein experience while keeping the signature shawarma seasoning profile.
• Skip the oven and fire up the grill for smoky charred edges that add extra depth to your chicken shawarma – direct high heat creates incredible caramelization and crispy exterior.
• Transform remaining shawarma into a killer salad, wrap, or stuff inside crispy pita chips for a next-day lunch that'll make colleagues jealous of your culinary skills.

Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2hr 45min – 1 day
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable chicken shawarma brings Middle Eastern street flavors to home kitchens with marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita. Crisp vegetables, tangy sauce, and aromatic spices create a memorable meal for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground cumin
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground turmeric
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) ground coriander
• ¼ tbsp (3.75 ml) ground black pepper
• ¼ tbsp (3.75 ml) ground cloves
• ¼ tbsp (3.75 ml) cayenne pepper
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Warmed pitas
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• Tomatoes, diced
• Cucumber, sliced

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper into a harmonious blend that will transform chicken thighs with Middle Eastern flair.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the spice mixture, adding sliced onions to absorb flavors. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize the meat.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange marinated chicken and onions in a single layer, ensuring maximum surface exposure for optimal caramelization.
4. Roasting Stage: Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan midway to guarantee even browning. Chicken is ready when exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Resting and Sauce Creation: Let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to craft a tangy, creamy sauce.
6. Final Assembly: Slice roasted chicken into thin strips. Warm pita bread and layer with chicken, caramelized onions, romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber. Generously drizzle yogurt sauce over the filled pitas.

Notes

• Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is completely submerged in spices for at least 2 hours to maximize flavor penetration and meat tenderness.
• Optimize Oven Placement: Arrange chicken and onions with adequate spacing on the baking sheet to guarantee even browning and consistent cooking.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow roasted chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining optimal meat texture.
• Sauce Enhances Experience: Prepare yogurt sauce with balanced ingredients to complement the complex spice profile and add a refreshing contrast to the rich, roasted chicken.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg