Sizzling Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Flavor Fanatics

Mastering the art of chicken shawarma brings Middle Eastern street food magic right into your kitchen.

Aromatic spices dance through tender marinated meat, creating a sensory experience that transports you instantly.

Layers of flavor intertwine with traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Perfectly seasoned chicken becomes a canvas for culinary creativity and bold taste adventures.

Home cooks can easily recreate this beloved dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Every bite promises a delicious journey through vibrant Mediterranean cuisine.

Whip up this recipe and savor the incredible flavors waiting to emerge from your own cooking space.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Shawarma

• Pair with Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a vibrant spread of hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, and falafel to complement the shawarma's bold flavors and provide diverse textures.
• Crisp White Wine Harmony: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with citrusy undertones that beautifully cut through the chicken's rich marinade and balance the spicy sauce.
• Cool Cucumber Mint Drink: Blend fresh cucumber, mint leaves, yogurt, and a touch of honey into a refreshing beverage that soothes the palate and echoes the shawarma's Middle Eastern profile.

Storage Advice for Chicken Shawarma

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken, sauce, and vegetables to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions of cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Common Questions About Chicken Shawarma

• What makes chicken shawarma different from other chicken dishes?

Chicken shawarma stands out due to its unique Middle Eastern spice blend, including coriander, cumin, and allspice, which creates a distinctive, aromatic flavor profile that sets it apart from typical grilled chicken recipes.

• Is chicken shawarma spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted. The traditional recipe isn’t extremely hot, but the optional Sriracha in the sauce allows you to control the heat according to your preference. You can add more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well too. However, chicken thighs are recommended because they’re more flavorful and stay juicier during grilling. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

Why Chicken Shawarma Stands Out

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika, this chicken shawarma delivers an explosion of Middle Eastern taste in every bite.
• Master Marination Magic: Overnight marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a tender, juicy masterpiece that soaks up incredible depth of flavor.
• Customize Your Creation: Adaptable recipe allows endless personal twists with different vegetables, sauces, or bread types to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weekend Winner: Perfect for casual gatherings, family meals, or spontaneous dinner plans that require minimal kitchen time and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

• Chicken Thigh Fillets: Tender and juicy meat that absorbs the flavorful marinade and creates the core of the shawarma.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Combination that tenderizes the chicken and adds bright, zesty flavors.
• Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Paprika, Allspice, Black Pepper, Salt: Spice blend that provides depth and authentic Middle Eastern seasoning.

• Plain Yogurt, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce.
• Sriracha Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides additional savory flavor to the sauce.

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm wrap that holds all the shawarma ingredients.
• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Fresh garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Rich olive oil
• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Allspice
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended. Toss chicken thighs into this magical mixture, ensuring every inch gets coated. Cover and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Smooth plain yogurt
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Spicy Sriracha sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir until silky smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking. Pull out the marinated chicken and let it hang out at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Lay the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until you see beautiful char marks and the chicken is cooked through. Pro tip: The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into mouthwatering strips.

Step 5: Build Your Shawarma Masterpiece

• Crisp shredded lettuce
• Juicy sliced tomatoes
• Tangy red onion rings
• Grilled chicken strips

Drizzle with extra sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Roll it up or eat it open-faced – total flavor freedom!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma

• Marinate Deeply: Let chicken sit in marinade overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Grill with Precision: Use medium-high heat and oil grates to prevent sticking and achieve perfect charred exterior.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165F (74C) without overcooking.
• Sauce Flexibility: Adjust Sriracha quantity to control spice level, making it mild or hot according to personal preference.
• Bread Warming Trick: Quickly grill pita bread for extra warmth and slight crispiness before assembling shawarma.

Variation Options for Chicken Shawarma

• Vegetarian Shawarma: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, following the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Lamb Shawarma: Swap chicken thighs with lean lamb cuts, using identical spice mix and cooking method for a rich, traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Shawarma Bowl: Skip pita bread and serve marinated, grilled chicken over mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes with yogurt sauce drizzled on top.
• Spicy Cajun Shawarma: Modify marinade by adding cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to create a bold, spicy version with Cajun-inspired seasoning.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27-31 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken shawarma blends Middle Eastern spices into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds. Marinated tender chicken, wrapped in warm pita, delivers a perfect balance of zesty flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Serving Components:

• 8 pieces pita bread
• 3 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tomatoes, sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, fruity olive oil, earthy ground coriander, warm ground cumin, smoky paprika, salt, aromatic allspice, and sharp black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thigh fillets in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly dressed. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Craft a creamy sauce by blending tangy plain yogurt, rich mayonnaise, fiery Sriracha, pungent garlic powder, and sharp onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, then chill until serving.
4. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high, lightly oiling the surface to prevent sticking. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Grill chicken thigh fillets for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating to create beautiful char marks. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy and safe meat.
6. Rest grilled chicken on a cutting board for several minutes, then slice into delicate, thin strips that will easily nestle into warm pita.
7. Gently warm pita bread on the grill or in foil-wrapped oven until soft and pliable.
8. Construct shawarma by spreading generous layers of creamy sauce onto warm pita, then layer with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, sharp red onion, and succulent grilled chicken strips.
9. Optional: Drizzle additional sauce for extra flavor complexity and moisture.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but marinate longer to prevent dryness and maintain tenderness.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker, creamier sauce with extra protein and tangier flavor.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing pita bread with large lettuce wraps or grain-free tortillas for a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance marinade depth by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or honey for balanced acidity and subtle sweetness, which tenderizes the meat and caramelizes during grilling.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 654 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg