The Best Chicken Shawarma Recipe That’ll Make You Smile

Crafting the ultimate chicken shawarma brings together a symphony of Middle Eastern flavors that dance across your palate.

Spices from Lebanon whisper culinary secrets into tender marinated meat.

Every bite promises an adventure through aromatic layers of complexity.

Fragrant garlic, warm cumin, and bright lemon create a vibrant marinade that infuses each chicken piece.

Authentic techniques ensure succulent results that transport you straight to bustling street markets.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

You’ll want to gather friends and savor every delicious moment of this remarkable meal.

What Makes the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Recipe Stand Out

• Dive into a mouthwatering blend of Middle Eastern spices that transform ordinary chicken into a spectacular culinary adventure.
• Minimal prep work and simple grilling technique make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this shawarma can be easily customized with various toppings and sauces.
• Packed with lean chicken and aromatic spices, this dish offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.

Everything You’ll Need for the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the rich marinade perfectly and provides the main protein for the shawarma.

• Olive Oil, Yogurt: Creates a smooth, creamy base that helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon: A complex spice mixture that gives the chicken its traditional shawarma warmth and depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and intensify the other spices in the marinade.

• Pita Bread or Wraps: Soft bread that serves as the perfect vessel for holding the grilled chicken and additional toppings.
• Tahini or Garlic Sauce: Creamy condiments that add extra moisture and complementary flavors to the shawarma.
• Fresh Vegetables: Provide crunch, freshness, and additional nutritional value to the dish.

How to Prepare the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma at Home

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a vibrant marinade by combining all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

• Olive oil
• Plain yogurt
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the marinade thoroughly into chicken thighs, ensuring every inch gets coated with the spicy mixture.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for at least one hour, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

You want a hot surface that will create beautiful caramelization on the chicken.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place marinated chicken on the hot grill.

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown char and ensuring the chicken is completely cooked through.

The meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Slice the chicken into thin, appetizing strips.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Tuck the sliced chicken into warm pita bread or soft wraps.

Top with crisp fresh vegetables and drizzle with creamy tahini or zesty garlic sauce.

Your homemade shawarma is ready to devour!

Cooking Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Shawarma

• Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight to intensify the flavor and tenderize the meat completely.
• Cut chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite is perfectly juicy.
• Watch the chicken carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a golden-brown char that locks in delicious spice-infused flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked shawarma every time.
• Experiment with different sauces like tzatziki, hummus, or homemade garlic sauce to elevate the shawarma's taste profile.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Shawarma

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Wrap sliced chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm throughout.
• Warm chicken in lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add splash of water to maintain moisture and restore tenderness.

Great Add-Ons and Pairings for Chicken Shawarma

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Pair the zesty chicken shawarma with refreshing Middle Eastern-style side dishes.
• Boost Beverage Match: Serve with cool, tangy ayran (yogurt drink) or crisp Lebanese white wine to complement the spicy marinade.
• Create Texture Contrast: Add crunchy cucumber pickles and creamy hummus to balance the smoky grilled chicken's rich profile.
• Enhance Herbal Accompaniment: Sprinkle fresh mint and parsley over the dish to brighten the warm, aromatic spices and cut through the meat's richness.

Different Ways to Serve the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Recipe

• Vegetarian Shawarma: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, using the same spice blend for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the spiced protein over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional pita bread.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Add harissa paste to the marinade and increase red pepper flakes for a hotter, North African-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thinly sliced chicken breast and serve over a crisp salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light yogurt dressing.

FAQs

• Why use chicken thighs for shawarma?

Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor compared to chicken breasts, which helps keep the meat juicy and tender during grilling. They’re also more forgiving if slightly overcooked and absorb marinades better.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even roast the chicken in the oven at 425°F. Each method will give slightly different but delicious results.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

While the recipe suggests at least 1 hour, marinating overnight (8-12 hours) will result in the most flavorful and tender chicken. The longer the marination, the more intense the spice blend will penetrate the meat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The shawarma spice blend is more aromatic and warm rather than hot. It includes spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika that provide depth of flavor without significant heat, making it suitable for most palates.

Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Middle Eastern chicken shawarma delivers explosive Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Marinated spices and tender meat create a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 500 g (1.1 pounds) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Serving Components:

• Pita bread or wraps
• Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)
• Tahini sauce or garlic sauce

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Instructions

1. Create a robust marinade by blending olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic, and an aromatic blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage and allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, creating ideal conditions for even cooking and caramelization.
4. Transfer marinated chicken to heated surface, grilling for 6-7 minutes per side, watching for deep golden-brown char and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
6. Carefully slice grilled chicken into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife.
7. Assemble shawarma by nestling sliced chicken inside warm pita bread or soft wraps.
8. Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh crisp vegetables and generously drizzling with tangy tahini or creamy garlic sauce.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly during grilling.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace pita bread with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice to maintain low-carb profile.
• Test chicken’s doneness with meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg