Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Chicken shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern recipe that is prepared using marinated chicken, slow-roasted or grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic, and therefore it is bold and aromatic. It is usually wrapped in pita or flatbread and filled with fresh veggies, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and covered with creamy tahini or garlic sauce.
People enjoy chicken shawarma because of its soft and juicy consistency and the explosion of flavors with each bite. It is simple to make at home and is a tasty, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at any time.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Chicken shawarma is a common Middle Eastern food that has won a global reputation due to its tempting taste and versatility. Prepared using juicy and marinated chicken, the recipe is excellent in making restaurant-like shawarma at home. Chicken shawarma is a dish that will please the whole family, served in pita bread with raw vegetables and creamy dressings. This Chicken Shawarma Recipe is about to become a new staple in your kitchen, whether you are making it as a family dinner, meal prep, or party platter.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Grill pan, stovetop skillet, or oven
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Serving plates
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp turmeric
- ½ tbsp ground coriander
- ¼ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
For Serving
- 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup cucumber slices
- ½ cup hummus or garlic sauce
- ½ cup tahini sauce
Instructions
- Marinade PreparationWhisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt and pepper in a large bowl
- Chicken MarinationPlace the chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade and toss to coat well.Wrap the bowl with plastic and chill at least 1 hour (up to 12 hours formost flavor).
- Baking ChickenChoice 1: GrillHeat a grill pan on medium-high heat.Grill the marinated chicken until well cooked and charred on both sides, 4-5 minutes each side.
- Discontinue the ChickenAllow cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes.Cut into thin strips, and serve easily.
- Put Shawarma Wraps togetherHeat the pita bread or flat bread in a skillet or microwave.Place hummus or garlic sauce on bread.
Notes
Chicken Shawarma Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
Flavour Profile of Chicken Shawarma
1. Smoky Taste:
- Flavors like paprika and cumin give it a smoky flavor.
2. Tart and New:
- Lemon juice includes a reviving tang.
3. Wealthy and Delicious:
- Olive oil keeps the chicken delicate and flavorful.
4. Marginally Sweet:
- A touch of cinnamon includes an implication of sweetness.
5. Crunchy and New:
- New veggies like lettuce and cucumbers include a fresh surface.
6. Rich Sauce:
- Tahini or garlic sauce includes a smooth and rich taste.
FAQs
Q. Which part of the chicken is best to use in Chicken Shawarma?
A. Boneless chicken thighs are the best cut because they are very juicy and tasty however, chicken breasts may be used instead to make it leaner.
Q. Is it possible to make Chicken Shawarma without a grill?
A. Yes! It can be prepared on the stovetop in a skillet or in the oven, and either way, it is going to be equally tasty.
Q. What is the length of time I should marinate the chicken?
A. To achieve the best taste, the chicken needs to be marinated for at least 1 hour, although tastier results can be achieved when the marination is done overnight.
Q. What are the toppings that complement Chicken Shawarma?
A. Traditional toppings are lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and creamy white sauces such as tahini or garlic sauce. Feta and pickles are also excellent additions.
Q. Can Chicken Shawarma be prepared in advance?
A. Yes, you may roast the chicken and keep it in the fridge for 3 days. When you are ready to serve, reheat and put together fresh wraps.
Hi, I’m Lauren Kossack — the recipe creator, food lover, and storyteller behind Perfect Meal Recipes! I’m based in the charming town of Zionsville, Indiana, where I share my passion for cooking simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals.
What started as a love for home-cooked comfort food has grown into a space where I create and collect the kinds of recipes that bring people together — whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet weekend treat.