Name: Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, pickles, garlic sauce, or tahini sauce for serving (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with authentic Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
Works well in wraps, bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Budget-friendly and family-friendly.
Can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared.

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic cloves, minced
Plain yogurt
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Paprika
Turmeric
Ground cinnamon
Cayenne pepper
Salt
Black pepper

For Serving (Optional)

Pita bread
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Red onion
Pickles
Garlic sauce or tahini sauce

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or prepare a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or grill surface.
Cook for 20–25 minutes in the oven, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If grilling, cook for about 6–7 minutes per side.
For extra color and flavor, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Serve in pita bread, over rice, or on a salad with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours to overnight
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 16 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Add extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
Make shawarma bowls with rice, vegetables, and sauces.
Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal.
Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Use the same marinade for turkey, beef, or lamb.
Include roasted vegetables alongside the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked shawarma chicken for up to 3 months.
Keep toppings and sauces stored separately for best freshness.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Microwave individual portions in short intervals until heated through.
Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, though they may be slightly less tender than thighs.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight marinating provides the best flavor.

Is yogurt necessary in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds richness, but it can be omitted if needed.

Can I grill Chicken Shawarma?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor and charred edges.

What sauces go well with Chicken Shawarma?

Garlic sauce, tahini sauce, hummus, and tzatziki are all excellent choices.

What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?

Rice, pita bread, salads, roasted vegetables, and pickled vegetables pair beautifully with it.

Can I make Chicken Shawarma ahead of time?

Yes, it’s an excellent meal-prep recipe and tastes great reheated.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken directly in the marinade for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your kitchen. With its tender marinated chicken, fragrant spices, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for both casual weeknight meals and special gatherings. Once you try homemade Chicken Shawarma, it’s sure to become a favorite addition to your meal rotation.

Chicken Shawarma

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Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, garlic, lemon, and yogurt. Perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or salads, this homemade version delivers bold, authentic-inspired flavor with simple ingredients.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or prepare a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or cooking surface.
Cook for 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If grilling, cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
For extra color, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes after baking.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Serve in pita bread, over rice, or on a salad with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Notes

Chicken thighs provide the juiciest and most flavorful results.
Marinating overnight develops the best flavor.
Serve with garlic sauce, tahini, hummus, or fresh vegetables.
Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 43 g
Cholesterol: 165 mg