Irresistibly Spiced Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Home Chefs

Crafting an authentic chicken shawarma recipe brings the vibrant street food flavors of the Middle East right into your kitchen.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of aromas that transport you to bustling markets in beirut.

Marinating tender chicken pieces transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Warm, fragrant spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric infuse each bite with deep, complex flavors.

Soft pita bread, crisp vegetables, and a creamy garlic sauce complete this mouthwatering dish.

Recreating this classic street food at home feels like a delicious journey through cultural traditions.

You’ll impress everyone at the table with this simple yet spectacular chicken shawarma that rivals any restaurant version.

Why Chicken Shawarma Is So Flavorful

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Marinate the chicken with a rich blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric that create an explosion of Middle Eastern taste sensations.
• Master Quick Cooking: Grill or skillet-cook chicken in just minutes, delivering a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or professional chef skills.
• Customize Your Meal: Personalize shawarma with favorite toppings like fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, or hot sauce, making it perfect for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Serve a restaurant-style dish at home that looks gourmet but requires minimal cooking expertise and preparation time.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Shawarma

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs the marinade perfectly for an authentic shawarma experience.

• Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp and aromatic essence to the marinade.
• Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon: Warm spices that create the signature shawarma flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions: Crisp vegetables that add freshness and texture to the shawarma.
• Tahini Sauce: Creamy and nutty sauce that complements the spiced chicken.
• Pita Bread: Soft, warm bread used to wrap and serve the chicken.
• Optional Hot Sauce: Adds an extra kick of heat for those who enjoy spicy flavors.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Blend

• Yogurt
• Minced garlic
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Goodness

Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with the spicy mixture. Seal the container and park it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for 1-4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Lay the marinated chicken onto the hot surface. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).

Step 4: Transform the Chicken

Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly. Slice the meat into thin, mouth-watering strips that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 5: Build Your Shawarma Masterpiece

• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Onions

Add a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. For extra kick, splash some hot sauce or additional yogurt.

Step 6: Devour and Celebrate

Grab your shawarma and enjoy every single delicious bite!

Tips for Best Chicken Shawarma Results

• Marinate chicken for at least an hour to infuse deep, rich Middle Eastern flavors into the meat, allowing spices to penetrate thoroughly.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165F internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked protein that remains juicy and tender.
• Use fresh, high-quality spices to elevate the shawarma's authentic taste, creating a more aromatic and vibrant dish.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness, making each bite more enjoyable and easier to chew.
• Experiment with additional toppings like pickled vegetables or fresh herbs to personalize your shawarma and add extra layers of flavor.

Variations to Try With Chicken Shawarma

• Spicy Jalapeño Shawarma: Add diced jalapeños to the marinade for a fiery kick, increasing heat and introducing a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Shawarma: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, oregano, and thyme into the yogurt marinade, creating an aromatic herbal version with Mediterranean undertones.
• Greek-Style Shawarma: Replace yogurt with tzatziki sauce in the marinade, incorporate feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for a classic Greek culinary experience.
• Coconut Curry Shawarma: Substitute some yogurt with coconut milk, add curry powder and ginger to the marinade, bringing an Indian-inspired transformation to the traditional recipe.

Suggested Pairings for Chicken Shawarma

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bold Middle Eastern spices in chicken shawarma, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a traditional Middle Eastern drink like ayran (yogurt-based beverage) or a mint lemonade, which will cool down the spicy notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled chicken.
• Perfect Side Companion: Serve alongside a bright, tangy Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the marinated chicken's robust spice profile and add textural contrast.

Storage Tips for Chicken Shawarma

• Transfer leftover chicken shawarma to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap sliced chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place chicken slices on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.

FAQs About Chicken Shawarma

• What is the purpose of yogurt in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, adds moisture, and creates a creamy base that helps spices stick to the meat, resulting in more flavorful chicken.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

• Why are the spices important in this recipe?

The combination of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon creates an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile, giving the chicken its signature shawarma taste and aroma.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Middle Eastern magic with this irresistible Chicken Shawarma, a spice-infused journey through authentic flavors that dance on your palate. Marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, each bite promises a delicious adventure you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pita bread
• Tomatoes, sliced
• Cucumbers, sliced
• Red onion, sliced
• Tahini sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by blending yogurt with aromatic spices including garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
2. Immerse chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every surface is coated. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Position marinated chicken thighs, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from heat, allowing 3-4 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices. Slice into thin, uniform strips against the meat grain.
5. Gently warm pita bread until slightly crisp and pliable. Layer sliced chicken generously across bread’s center.
6. Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, crisp cucumber rounds, thinly sliced onions, and drizzle tahini sauce over ingredients.
7. Optional: Add extra yogurt dollop or sprinkle hot sauce for enhanced flavor profile. Roll or fold pita to create compact shawarma wrap.
8. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are optimal.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper, more complex flavors that penetrate every fiber of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness, which absorb spices better than chicken breasts.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, lamb, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or diverse dietary needs.
• Toast pita bread on a direct flame or skillet for a slightly charred, authentic street-food texture that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg