Flavorful Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Beginners

Sizzling spices and tender chicken dance together in this mouthwatering shawarma recipe that brings Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen.

Packed with authentic Lebanese chicken shawarma flavors, this dish promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.

The aroma of warm spices will fill your home with an irresistible fragrance that beckons everyone to the dinner table.

Marinating the chicken creates deep, complex layers of flavor that make this recipe truly special.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, this shawarma beats any takeout option hands down.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of herbs and spices that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Beirut.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple to make at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Shawarma Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender cuts perfect for absorbing rich spices, choose fresh meat with minimal fat for the best texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping chicken moist.
• Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy depth that's signature to Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Paprika: Provides vibrant color and subtle sweetness to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers intense aromatic flavor without raw garlic's sharpness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings exciting heat and spiciness, adjust according to your heat tolerance.
• Ground Coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly nutty undertone to complement other spices.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

• Pita Bread: Soft, pillowy carriers that hold all delicious ingredients together.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp green base that adds refreshing crunch and nutritional value.
• Tomatoes: Juicy element that provides bright, tangy counterpoint to spiced chicken.
• Persian Cucumbers: Crisp, cool vegetable that adds textural contrast and hydration.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that introduces a clean, peppery freshness to the wrap.

• Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Tangy, creamy sauce that ties all ingredients together with zesty, cooling properties.

Shawarma Cooking Equipment

• Large Ziploc bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly and mess-free.
• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting chicken in the oven with crispy results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure spices accurately for perfect seasoning.
• Chef's knife: Used for chopping lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Oven or air fryer: Necessary for cooking the marinated chicken to golden perfection.

Shawarma Instructions for Home Cooks

Chicken Shawarma Adventure

• Flavor Infusion

Transform plain chicken into a taste explosion by massaging it with a blend of warm, vibrant spices. Let the chicken relax and soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

• Heat and Crisp

Awaken your oven and create a sizzling environment around 400°F. Spread the seasoned chicken across a baking sheet, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Cook until the meat is perfectly done and edges are delightfully crispy.

• Wrap Creation

Select soft, pillowy pita bread as your canvas. Layer fresh, crisp greens as the foundation, then artfully arrange your spice-kissed chicken. Sprinkle colorful diced vegetables for added texture and brightness.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

Whip together a luxurious yogurt sauce that will elevate your shawarma from good to extraordinary. Blend tangy yogurt with zingy lemon and aromatic garlic for a sauce that sings with flavor.

• Final Assembly

Drizzle your magical sauce generously over the filled pita. Gently fold the bread into a delectable bundle of joy, ready to transport your taste buds on a culinary journey.

Spice & Marinade Tips

• Shawarma Spice Magic: Experiment with different spice blends like za'atar or Baharat to create unique flavor profiles that elevate your chicken's taste.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with lamb, beef, or tofu for a delicious alternative that keeps the shawarma spirit alive while catering to different dietary preferences.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinate and cook extra chicken to store in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The pre-seasoned meat works perfectly in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
• Sauce Sensation: Transform the garlic yogurt sauce by adding fresh herbs like dill or mint, or kick up the heat with a splash of sriracha or harissa for an exciting flavor twist.
• Veggie Boost: Load up your shawarma with additional toppings like pickled onions, roasted red peppers, or crispy cabbage slaw to add extra crunch and nutrition to your wrap.

Serving Chicken Shawarma at Its Best

• Fresh Mediterranean Picnic Plate: Transform your shawarma into a deconstructed platter by arranging chicken strips, warm pita, crisp vegetables, and yogurt sauce separately for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Family-Style Sharing Feast: Spread all ingredients on a large wooden board, letting everyone build their own customized shawarma wraps with favorite toppings and sauces for a communal meal.
• Quick Lunch Box Makeover: Pack cooled chicken strips, pita bread, and yogurt sauce in separate compartments for an easy, portable lunch that stays fresh and delicious until mealtime.
• Veggie Side Swap: Replace traditional sides with a zesty Mediterranean salad featuring extra cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley to complement the spiced chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage Prep for Chicken Shawarma Meals

• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Marinate chicken in advance and store in sealed containers for up to 2 days, making weeknight dinners super fast and convenient.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store cooked chicken shawarma in airtight containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when properly chilled.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Pack individual portions of marinated or cooked chicken in freezer bags, lasting up to 3 months for effortless future meals – simply thaw and reheat.
• Sauce Smart Storage: Keep garlic yogurt sauce separately in a sealed container, refrigerated for 5-7 days, preventing sogginess and maintaining the wrap's delicious crisp texture.

Irresistible Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken shawarma brings Middle Eastern street flavors straight to home kitchens. Marinated spices and tender meat create an authentic dining experience you can savor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless, sliced into 0.5-inch thick strips
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 6 small pita bread
• 2 cups (80 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 Persian or mini cucumbers, diced
• 0.25 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 0.5 tsp minced garlic
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marination: Combine olive oil and aromatic spices in a sealed container, thoroughly coating chicken strips. Refrigerate to allow deep flavor infusion for maximum taste penetration.
2. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for uniform golden-brown transformation. Roast until chicken reaches perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously chop romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley into uniform, vibrant pieces that will create a fresh, crisp foundation for the shawarma.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, and delicate seasonings until achieving a silky, smooth garlic sauce that will elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
5. Assembly: Gently warm pita bread to enhance pliability. Layer each pita with crisp lettuce, arrange golden roasted chicken strips, and distribute colorful vegetable medley across the surface.
6. Finishing Touch: Drizzle creamy garlic yogurt sauce generously over the filled pitas. Carefully fold or roll to create a compact, flavor-packed shawarma that captures traditional culinary essence.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Create a flavor-packed marinade by mixing spices with olive oil, ensuring chicken absorbs deep, rich tastes for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Precise Oven Technique: Preheat oven to exactly 425°F (218°C) for perfect golden-brown chicken with crispy edges, using a lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Sauce Smooth Secrets: Whisk yogurt sauce ingredients thoroughly until completely blended, allowing flavors to meld for 15 minutes before serving to enhance taste complexity.
• Assembly Pro Tips: Warm pita bread slightly before filling to prevent tearing, and layer ingredients strategically from bottom to top for the ultimate shawarma experience.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg