Homemade Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe That Dazzles

Crafting an authentic middle eastern chicken shawarma brings culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Warm spices dance across tender meat, creating layers of complex flavor.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each carefully marinated bite.

Streets of beirut whisper secrets into this traditional recipe.

Fragrant herbs and zesty marinades promise a delicious adventure.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade version you’ll create.

Prepare to experience a mouthwatering journey that celebrates bold, vibrant ingredients.

Chicken Shawarma That Makes Every Bite Count

• Speedy Flavor Explosion: Marinate overnight and transform simple chicken into a mouthwatering Middle Eastern delight that bursts with exotic spices in just minutes.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Switch between stovetop and grill cooking methods, making this recipe adaptable for any kitchen setup or outdoor cooking scenario.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Customize wraps or platters to suit everyone's taste, ensuring kids and adults alike will devour this delicious chicken shawarma with zero complaints.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare yogurt sauce and marinate chicken in advance, cutting down weeknight cooking time and delivering restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

What’s Wrapped in Chicken Shawarma

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs shawarma spices and creates the main flavor profile. Preferably use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more moisture and tenderness.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize chicken and add bright, zesty flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Garlic, Paprika, Cumin, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Salt, Black Pepper: Traditional Middle Eastern spice mix that gives deep, warm, and complex flavor to chicken.

• Greek Yogurt, Fresh Mint, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt: Creamy, cooling sauce that balances the spicy chicken. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for richer texture.

• Flatbreads, Pita, Lavash: Soft bread for wrapping or serving alongside chicken. Choose fresh, soft varieties.
• Tomatoes, Salad Greens: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness to the dish.

Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Cooking Guide

Step 1: Blend Mouthwatering Marinade

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.

This magical blend will infuse the chicken with rich, bold flavors that dance on your taste buds.

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for minimum 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Mint Sauce

Combine Greek yogurt, fresh mint leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a touch of olive oil in a small bowl.

Stir until the ingredients create a smooth, tangy sauce that will complement the spiced chicken perfectly.

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh mint leaves
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Olive oil

Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 3: Sizzle and Char Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high temperature.

Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces onto the hot surface.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and slightly charred.

Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juicy tenderness.

Step 4: Assemble and Devour

Slice the chicken into tender strips.

Warm up soft flatbreads or pita.

Spread a generous layer of mint sauce on the bread.

Layer sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and additional herbs if desired.

Roll up into a tight wrap or serve open-faced for a delightful Middle Eastern feast.

Garnish with extra mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh finish.

Shawarma Tricks For Juicy Chicken

• Allow chicken to marinate overnight for deeper, more intense flavor penetration that transforms ordinary protein into an extraordinary dish.
• Cut chicken against the grain after cooking to ensure each bite remains juicy and tender, preventing dry or tough meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked shawarma every time.
• Prepare yogurt mint sauce ahead of time and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator, letting flavors meld and intensify for up to three days.
• Warm flatbreads briefly before assembling wraps to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking, creating the ultimate street food experience at home.

Chicken Shawarma That Comes Back Juicy

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding splash of water to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Spread chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Crisp Complements For Shawarma

• Flavor Symphony Pairing: Crisp Lebanese white wine perfectly complements the aromatic shawarma spices, cutting through the rich chicken marinade with bright citrus notes.
• Refreshing Sidekick Combo: Cucumber mint lemonade balances the warm spices, providing a cooling contrast that cleanses the palate between each savory bite of chicken.
• Mediterranean Crunch Companion: Tabbouleh salad with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat adds a zesty, herbal dimension that enhances the shawarma's complex flavor profile.
• Texture Harmony Accent: Pickled turnips or traditional Arabic pickles bring tangy acidity and a crunchy texture that elevates the tender, spiced chicken, creating a perfect flavor balance.

Chicken Shawarma Regional Versions

• Vegetarian Shawarma: Replace chicken with marinated tofu or seitan, using the same spice blend for a plant-based version that maintains the authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional flatbreads with gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can still enjoy the dish.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase the heat by adding extra cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers to the marinade, creating a fiery kick for those who crave intense flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread entirely and serve the spiced chicken over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice, keeping the meal light and nutrition-packed.

FAQs

• What is Shawarma Spice Blend made of?

The blend typically includes ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, ground coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, creating a warm and complex flavor profile that gives chicken its distinctive Middle Eastern taste.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?

While you can marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, marinating overnight allows the spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in more intense and rich flavors that make the shawarma more delicious.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are recommended because they are more tender, juicy, and flavorful, which helps prevent the meat from becoming dry during cooking.

• What if I don't have a grill or skillet?

If you don’t have a grill or skillet, you can cook shawarma in an oven at 425°F, baking the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a nice golden color.

Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma brings street-side magic straight to home kitchens with bold spices and tender meat. Marinated chicken wrapped in warm flatbread delivers an authentic culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) boneless chicken breast or thigh meat

Spice Blend:

• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground sumac
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne
• 0.5 teaspoons ground clove

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Yogurt Mint Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 10 mint leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste

Serving Options:

• Pita or lavash
• Iceberg lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shirazi salad

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Transform the raw chicken into a flavor-packed delicacy by whisking together a vibrant marinade of olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and an aromatic shawarma spice blend in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated, then seal and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Craft a cool, refreshing yogurt mint sauce by gently combining all specified ingredients in a mixing bowl, then refrigerate to let the flavors meld and intensify.
4. Prepare a skillet or grill to medium-high temperature, lightly coating the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully transfer the marinated chicken to the hot cooking surface, allowing each side to sear and develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Once the chicken achieves a golden-brown crust and is cooked through, remove from heat and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, allowing the juices to redistribute for about 5 minutes.
7. Artfully slice the rested chicken into tender, succulent strips, creating perfect portions for serving.
8. Assemble your shawarma by spreading the chilled yogurt mint sauce onto warm flatbread, layering with sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crisp salad greens.
9. Roll the flatbread into a compact, flavor-packed wrap, ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Marinate chicken overnight to allow spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Adjust spice blend intensity by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
• Gluten-free option: Replace traditional flatbread with lettuce wraps or gluten-free alternatives for diet restrictions.
• Toast spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic qualities and develop deeper flavor profiles.
• Store leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking to maintain optimal taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Vegetarian adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower, maintaining identical marinade and cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg