Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its aromatic spices, tender marinated chicken, and flavorful sauces. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this homemade version delivers the same rich taste right from your kitchen. The juicy, seasoned chicken paired with pita bread, garlic sauce, and fresh veggies creates an irresistible meal for any day.

This recipe captures authentic shawarma flavors using everyday ingredients. With a simple marination process and easy cooking method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shawarma at home. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, the result is always juicy, fragrant, and satisfying.

Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, chicken shawarma is versatile and customizable. Serve it as wraps, rice bowls, or salad toppings—it’s guaranteed to impress with its smoky, spiced goodness.

Ingredients List

– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– ½ cup plain yogurt
– Salt and black pepper to taste

For serving:
– Pita bread or flatbreads
– Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce
– Garlic sauce or tahini sauce
– Pickled turnips (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth to form a marinade.

Step 2: Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: When ready to cook, preheat your grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Grill or sear the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. If baking, arrange chicken on a lined tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.

Step 5: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then slice it thinly into strips.

Step 6: Warm your pita or flatbread. Spread garlic or tahini sauce, add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced chicken. Wrap it up or serve open-faced.

Step 7: Serve immediately with fries, salad, or rice for a complete shawarma meal.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings

Serves 4

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 420
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 26g

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
To freeze, place cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Marinated raw chicken can also be frozen for future use; thaw before cooking.

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve chicken shawarma with warm pita, garlic sauce, and pickled vegetables for the classic experience. It also pairs beautifully with hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh cucumber salad.
For a full meal, serve it with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables. A chilled yogurt drink or mint lemonade makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Seasonal Relevance

Chicken shawarma is great year-round but especially popular during summer for its grill-friendly preparation. It’s also a comforting, aromatic meal perfect for cozy fall or winter dinners. The balance of spices and freshness makes it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or meal prep.

Health Benefits

Chicken shawarma offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Chicken thighs provide rich flavor and iron, while olive oil and yogurt in the marinade contribute healthy fats and probiotics. The spices—like turmeric, cumin, and coriander—are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Opt for grilled over fried cooking to reduce calories, and load up on veggies for added fiber. Using whole wheat pita and low-fat yogurt sauce can make this meal even healthier without compromising taste.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Packed with bold, authentic flavors	Requires marination time
High in protein and nutrients	Not ideal for those avoiding meat
Customizable with various meats and sauces	Can be messy to assemble
Perfect for parties or meal prep	Needs multiple components ready at once

Conclusion

This chicken shawarma recipe brings the authentic taste of the Middle East straight to your kitchen. Juicy, spiced chicken combined with creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and incredibly versatile—ideal for wraps, rice bowls, or salads.

Whether grilled outdoors or cooked in your oven, the rich blend of spices ensures a flavor-packed meal every time. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or quick weekday meals, this shawarma will quickly become a go-to favorite. Try it once, and you’ll crave its smoky, savory goodness again and again.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well too, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

Q2: How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination gives the best flavor.

Q3: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through.

Q4: What sauces go best with shawarma?
Garlic yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, or spicy mayo pair wonderfully with this dish.

Q5: Can I meal prep shawarma?
Yes! Cooked chicken shawarma stores well and can be used for wraps, bowls, or salads throughout the week.