Name: Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground allspice; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 1½ cups plain yogurt; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 pieces pita bread; 3 cups shredded lettuce; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 4 tomatoes, sliced

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe is an easy-to-follow way to enjoy a dish packed with complex spices, tender chicken, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. The marinade gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor while the sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that ties everything together perfectly. Whether served as a wrap or open-faced, this dish is perfect for a family meal or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste—add more heat or extra veggies for a truly personalized experience.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground black pepper
8 pieces pita bread
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4 tomatoes, sliced

For the sauce:

1½ cups plain yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest, then slice it into thin strips.
Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Spread a generous amount of sauce on each pita. Top with chicken, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with additional sauce and wrap or serve open-faced.
Serve: Serve immediately for the best experience with fresh, juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pita and a yogurt-based sauce without mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
Spicier Shawarma: Add more Sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken for extra heat.
Add More Veggies: Include cucumbers, bell peppers, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. To keep the veggies fresh, store them separately and add them to the wrap when you’re ready to eat.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the shawarma sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

What other vegetables can I add to the shawarma?

You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or pickles for additional crunch and flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pita bread to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Can I use a different type of bread instead of pita?

Yes, you can use flatbreads or wraps as an alternative to pita.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

To make this recipe low-carb, serve the chicken with a salad instead of pita bread.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of the Middle East right to your kitchen. With juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy, creamy sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize, ensuring that you’ll always have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Homemade Chicken Shawarma

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Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish with tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread. This easy-to-make recipe brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering. The chicken is marinated to perfection and grilled to a juicy, flavorful finish, while the sauce adds the perfect creamy kick. Customizable with extra veggies or heat, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 40min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest, then slice it into thin strips.
Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Spread a generous amount of sauce on each pita. Top with chicken, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with additional sauce and wrap or serve open-faced.
Serve: Serve immediately for the best experience with fresh, juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce.

Notes

Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pita and a yogurt-based sauce without mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
Spicier Shawarma: Add more Sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken for extra heat.
Add More Veggies: Include cucumbers, bell peppers, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita bread for a gluten-free version.