Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, juicy, and aromatic dish that’s marinated with bold spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this recipe allows you to recreate the delicious flavors of shawarma at home using your oven or grill. Serve the tender, spiced chicken in pita bread with fresh veggies and a drizzle of creamy tahini or garlic sauce for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of warm spices in the marinade gives the chicken a bold and authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
• Juicy & Tender: The yogurt-based marinade helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare and can be cooked in the oven, on the stovetop, or on the grill.
• Versatile: Chicken shawarma is perfect in pita wraps, served over rice, or as part of a salad.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

1. Chicken Thighs or Breasts

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option.

2. Yogurt

• Plain yogurt is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add a slight tangy flavor. Greek yogurt works great, but regular plain yogurt will also do the job.

3. Spices

• A blend of ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper gives the chicken its signature shawarma flavor. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish.

4. Garlic & Lemon Juice

• Fresh garlic and lemon juice add brightness and tang to the marinade, balancing out the richness of the spices.

5. Olive Oil

• Olive oil helps to carry the flavors and ensures the chicken stays moist during cooking.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma recipe is easy to follow and perfect for recreating restaurant-quality shawarma at home. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Make the Marinade

• In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground paprika, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Add 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for the best flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the marinated chicken on the sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
• Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

• Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the chicken shawarma in warm pita bread with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or garlic sauce. It’s also delicious over rice or in a salad bowl.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Shawarma

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

• Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, marinate it overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

2. Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender than chicken breasts, but you can use either depending on your preference.

3. Cook Until Slightly Charred

• For that authentic shawarma flavor, cook the chicken until it gets a bit of char on the edges. This can be achieved in the oven, on the grill, or even in a hot skillet.

4. Make a Shawarma Sauce

• For a complete shawarma experience, make a simple garlic sauce or tahini sauce to drizzle over the chicken. Both add creamy richness that complements the spiced chicken.

5. Serve with Fresh Veggies

• Fresh veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Shawarma

• Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

2. Lamb Shawarma

• Swap the chicken for lamb shoulder or lamb leg. Marinate and cook in the same way, adjusting the cooking time for thicker cuts of meat.

3. Shawarma Rice Bowl

• Serve the chicken shawarma over a bed of rice with roasted vegetables, a dollop of hummus, and a drizzle of tahini for a hearty shawarma bowl.

4. Vegan Shawarma

• Use chickpeas or cauliflower as a plant-based alternative. Marinate them in the same shawarma spices and roast until golden and crispy.

5. Shawarma Wrap

• Roll the sliced chicken in flatbread or tortilla wraps with hummus, salad, and pickles for a portable and delicious meal.

FAQs: Chicken Shawarma

1. Can I Make Chicken Shawarma Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 12 hours in advance and cook it when ready to serve. The cooked chicken can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

2. Can I Freeze Chicken Shawarma?

• Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking, or you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.

3. How Do I Serve Chicken Shawarma?

• Chicken shawarma is traditionally served in pita bread or flatbread with fresh veggies and sauce. It can also be served over rice or in a salad for a low-carb option.

4. What Can I Serve with Chicken Shawarma?

• Serve chicken shawarma with sides like hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, or a fresh cucumber salad.

5. What Sauces Go Well with Shawarma?

• Shawarma is often served with garlic sauce (toum), tahini sauce, or yogurt-based sauces. Each adds creaminess and balances the bold spices of the chicken.