Sizzling Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Middle Eastern streets buzz with the irresistible aroma of chicken shawarma, a culinary treasure that captures hearts and taste buds.

Spinning on vertical rotisseries, marinated meat becomes a canvas of vibrant spices and textures.

Fragrant herbs and zesty marinades infuse each tender slice with complex layers of flavor.

Crispy edges give way to succulent meat that melts in your mouth, creating a sensory symphony.

Wrapped in soft pita or served over fluffy rice, this dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

Lean into the adventure and let each bite transport you to bustling markets and sun-drenched landscapes.

Your next meal is about to become an unforgettable journey of taste.

Chicken Shawarma That Stores With Spices Locked In

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap sliced chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, storing up to 3 months for later enjoyment. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between rounds to prevent overcooking.

Bold Pairings For Chicken Shawarma

• Pair Zesty Lebanese White Wine: Select a crisp Château Musar White from Lebanon that complements the complex spices in chicken shawarma, enhancing the dish's aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Accompany shawarma with hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and olives to provide complementary textures and traditional regional tastes that elevate the main protein.
• Match Refreshing Mint Yogurt Drink: Blend cold yogurt with fresh mint, cucumber, and a touch of salt to create a cooling beverage that balances the warm spices and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Select Craft Wheat Beer Pairing: Choose a light, crisp wheat beer from a local craft brewery that offers subtle citrus notes, which harmonize with the lemon and spice profile of the shawarma.

Chicken Shawarma Styles

• Mediterranean Plant-Based Shawarma: Replace chicken with marinated firm tofu or seitan, using the same spice blend for a vegan version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl: Substitute pita bread with roasted cauliflower rice, keeping all original spices and serving with chopped herbs for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Lettuce Wrap Edition: Use large butter lettuce leaves instead of pita, ensuring all marinade ingredients remain the same while creating a lighter, carb-conscious meal option.
• Lean Protein Chicken Breast Adaptation: Switch chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts, maintaining identical marinating technique and cooking times for a lower-fat protein choice.

FAQs

• Is chicken shawarma healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with lean protein from chicken thighs and beneficial spices like turmeric and cumin that offer anti-inflammatory properties. The Greek yogurt marinade adds probiotics and helps tenderize the meat.

• What makes this shawarma marinade different?

This recipe uses a blend of Middle Eastern spices like coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric, which create a complex, authentic flavor profile that distinguishes it from basic grilled chicken. The yogurt base also helps create a more tender and flavorful result.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for more flavor and moisture, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs. Reduce cooking time and monitor internal temperature closely.

• Do I need special equipment to make shawarma?

No, you can easily make shawarma using a regular grill, oven, or even a stovetop skillet. The key is maintaining consistent heat and ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Shawarma That Tastes Like A Street Favorite

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with vibrant Middle Eastern spices that transform ordinary chicken into a taste adventure.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinates easily overnight, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights and advance cooking preparation.
• Versatile Dinner Hero: Adaptable to multiple cooking methods like grilling or baking, allowing flexible meal preparation based on kitchen equipment and preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Appeals to both adults and kids with its mild yet exciting flavor profile, encouraging everyone to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal together.

Shawarma Chicken Blend

• Olive Oil: Helps to distribute spices and keep chicken moist.
• Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Coriander, Cinnamon: Classic Middle Eastern spice blend for deep, warm flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic savory notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.

• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy acidity to tenderize chicken.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy texture and helps chicken stay tender.

• Chicken Thighs: Flavorful, juicy cut with higher fat content for more moisture.

• Pita Bread: Traditional Middle Eastern flatbread for wrapping.
• Rice: Optional base for serving.

• Parsley, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions: Fresh vegetables for adding color, texture, and brightness to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Blend Flavorful Marinade

Whip up a mouthwatering marinade by combining all the spice ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Grab your olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour in some lemon juice and creamy Greek yogurt.

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, aromatic blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Massage Chicken with Marinade

Toss the chicken thighs into the spice mixture, ensuring every inch gets coated with the delicious flavors.

Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, creating a rich coating.

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator.

Give it at least an hour, but overnight marinating will take the flavor to the next level.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Get your cooking surface ready.

If you’re using a grill, set it to medium heat.

For oven lovers, preheat to 400°F.

The goal is to create the perfect cooking environment for your shawarma.

Step 4: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Grilling Method:

Place the marinated chicken on the grill.

Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.

Watch for that beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Oven Baking Method:

Spread the chicken on a baking sheet.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check that it’s fully cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

After cooking, let the chicken take a quick breather for a few minutes.

This helps retain those delicious juices.

Slice the chicken into tempting strips that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Time to create your perfect shawarma plate!

• Warm pita bread
• Fluffy rice
• Fresh crisp salad

• Chopped parsley
• Juicy tomatoes
• Crisp cucumbers
• Sliced onions

Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma that rivals any restaurant!

Shawarma Chicken Tips That Pop

• Let chicken soak in the yogurt-spice blend overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked results.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices, then cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Transform leftovers into wraps, salads, or rice bowls for quick and delicious meal variations.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing paprika and pepper to match personal heat preferences.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spices dance through this chicken shawarma, bringing Middle Eastern street food magic right to your kitchen. Tender marinated chicken wraps in warm pita, promising a flavor journey that connects comfort with culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Pita bread or rice, for serving
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, zesty lemon juice, creamy yogurt, and fragrant olive oil until a harmonious blend emerges.
2. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a minimum of one hour, though overnight marination will elevate the taste profile.
3. Heat your cooking surface – either a preheated grill or oven – to a consistent 400°F (200°C), preparing for optimal protein preparation.
4. For grilling enthusiasts: Arrange marinated chicken over medium heat, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
5. Alternatively, for oven-roasting: Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet, roasting for 25-30 minutes until thoroughly cooked, turning midway to promote even caramelization.
6. After cooking, allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
7. Slice chicken into elegant strips, revealing the beautifully seasoned interior.
8. Present your shawarma accompanied by warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, garnishing with fresh parsley, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp onions for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat and create a more robust taste profile.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results, as they retain more moisture and provide richer flavor compared to boneless chicken breasts.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting quantities to personal preference, making the shawarma mild or more intense based on individual taste.
• Ensure food safety by checking internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg