Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Shawarma is savory, spiced, juicy, and deeply satisfying. The marinade is simple but loaded with flavor, and the cooking method is incredibly versatile—grill it, roast it, or cook it in a skillet. It’s perfect for meal prep, wraps, salads, or rice bowls, and it tastes even better the next day. It’s bold, balanced, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Plain yogurt (for tenderness)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground paprika
- Ground turmeric
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground allspice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For serving (optional):
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Garlic sauce or tahini sauce
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Pickled red onions or turnips
- Fresh herbs (parsley or mint)
Directions
- Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor. - Cook the chicken:
- Skillet method: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side.
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Grill method: Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Rest and slice:
Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. - Assemble and serve:
Stuff the sliced chicken into warm pita or over a bed of rice. Add your favorite toppings and sauces.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (with marinating)
Variations
- Spicy Shawarma: Add more cayenne or a spoonful of harissa to the marinade.
- Grain Bowl: Serve the chicken over rice or couscous with grilled veggies and sauce.
- Shawarma Salad: Use the chicken as a protein topper for a Middle Eastern-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and tahini dressing.
- Dairy-Free: Omit yogurt and add extra lemon juice and oil for the marinade.
- Vegan Alternative: Use tofu, jackfruit, or mushrooms in place of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals. This recipe is freezer-friendly—freeze sliced, cooked chicken for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are more tender and flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook.
What makes shawarma different from gyro or kebab?
Shawarma is typically marinated in a blend of warm spices and slowly roasted. It’s Middle Eastern, while gyros are Greek and often use a different seasoning profile.
Is shawarma spicy?
It can be mildly spiced or hot depending on how much cayenne or chili is added. You can adjust it to your heat preference.
Do I need yogurt in the marinade?
Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, but it can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Make a big batch and store it sliced for wraps, salads, and bowls throughout the week.
What sauce goes best with shawarma?
Garlic sauce (toum), tahini sauce, or even tzatziki work beautifully with chicken shawarma.
Can I bake the chicken on skewers?
Yes, you can thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and bake or grill them for a kebab-style variation.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sides pair well with shawarma?
Try it with hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, pickled vegetables, or seasoned rice.
Conclusion
Chicken Shawarma is a richly spiced, juicy, and versatile dish that brings bold flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether wrapped in pita, served over rice, or topped on a salad, it’s a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and loaded with personality. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.