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Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors right in your kitchen! Made with juicy, marinated chicken, warm spices, and a rich garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for wraps, bowls, or platters. Enjoy the bold flavors of shawarma without a rotisserie, using simple cooking methods like grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 3 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving

  • 4 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced red onions
  • ½ cup hummus or tahini sauce
  • ½ cup garlic sauce or yogurt sauce

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices until well combined.
    • Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight for maximum flavor).

  • Cook the Chicken

    • Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
    • Stovetop Method: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
    • Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  • Slice the Chicken

    • Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice it into strips for the shawarma wrap or bowl.

  • Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

    • Warm the pita bread and spread hummus or garlic sauce inside.
    • Add lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and sliced chicken.
    • Drizzle with extra tahini sauce or yogurt sauce and wrap tightly.

  • Serve & Enjoy

    • Serve the shawarma wraps immediately with extra sauce on the side, or enjoy the chicken in a bowl with rice and veggies.

 

Notes

  • Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Cooking Without a Grill: If you don’t have a grill, pan-searing or oven-baking works just as well.
  • Healthier Version: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, and opt for a whole wheat pita.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat.
  • Author: Dolan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilled, Stovetop, or Oven-Baked
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shawarma wrap
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken shawarma, homemade shawarma, shawarma wrap, easy shawarma recipe, Middle Eastern chicken, grilled chicken shawarma, healthy shawarma, chicken pita