Chicken Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern street food known for its mouthwatering flavor, tender meat, and bold aromatic spices. Traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and shaved onto warm pita, this dish has made its way into homes around the world as a homemade classic. Whether you’re familiar with its irresistible aroma wafting from food stalls or you’re a first-timer, this homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe will show you how to create the same authentic flavor in your kitchen.

In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll walk you through how to marinate, cook, and serve Chicken Shawarma with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, tasty variations, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll be able to impress anyone with your own Middle Eastern feast!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

Chicken shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has become a global favorite. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and the bold, aromatic spices create a truly irresistible taste sensation. This homemade version allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of shawarma without having to visit a specialty restaurant.

What makes this recipe so special is the way the chicken is marinated and cooked to perfection. The marinade infuses the meat with a complex blend of spices, resulting in a deeply satisfying flavor profile. Additionally, the unique cooking method, which involves stacking the chicken on a vertical spit and slowly rotating it, gives the dish its signature charred edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Shawarma ❓

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

The beauty of this chicken shawarma recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates the authentic Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile that has made shawarma recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Chicken Shawarma Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
• Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Step 3: Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
• Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice or chop the chicken into smaller pieces, if desired.
• Step 5: Serve the chicken shawarma warm, with your choice of accompaniments such as pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 65-94 minutes

Compared to traditional shawarma dishes that can take up to several hours to prepare, this chicken shawarma recipe saves you a significant amount of time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg

These chicken shawarma provide approximately 80% of your daily protein requirements and 35% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the overall fat content.
• Lower-carb version: Serve the chicken shawarma over a bed of cauliflower rice or on top of a fresh salad instead of pita bread.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the yogurt-based sauce and instead serve the chicken with a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple olive oil and lemon juice drizzle.
• Added protein: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with roasted chickpeas or sliced almonds for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to serve alongside the chicken shawarma for a more nutrient-dense meal.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken shawarma.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, and a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad.
• Pair with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the chicken shawarma with a creamy garlic-tahini sauce or a tangy yogurt-based dressing.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken shawarma on a platter with various toppings and accompaniments for everyone to assemble their own wraps or bowls.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overbake the chicken, as it can result in dry, tough meat. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
• Skimping on the marinade: The marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with the authentic shawarma flavors. Make sure to allow enough time for the chicken to marinate, preferably at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor development.
• Not slicing the chicken properly: For the best texture and presentation, slice the cooked chicken into thin, even strips or chunks. Avoid chopping it too finely, as this can make the texture dry and crumbly.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These chicken shawarma retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the marinated chicken and freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked chicken shawarma to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken shawarma in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, being careful not to overcook it and dry out the meat.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the chicken shawarma in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely make the chicken shawarma in advance. The marinated chicken can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Additionally, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, making it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Can I substitute the chicken thighs with breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. The thighs tend to have more flavor and moisture, but chicken breasts will also work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may require slightly less baking time to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Yes, with a few simple modifications, this chicken shawarma recipe can be adapted for a low-carb or keto diet. Instead of serving it with pita bread, you can enjoy the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or on a fresh salad. Additionally, you can omit the yogurt-based sauce and instead serve it with a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple olive oil and lemon juice drizzle.

What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?

If you’re missing one or two of the spices, you can substitute with similar flavors. For example, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, or ground allspice instead of cinnamon. Just keep the overall spice blend and proportions similar to maintain the authentic shawarma flavor profile.

Can I add any additional toppings or garnishes?

Absolutely! This chicken shawarma recipe is highly versatile and can be customized with a variety of toppings and garnishes. Some delicious additions could include sliced red onions, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, roasted chickpeas, or a drizzle of tahini sauce or garlic-yogurt sauce.

Conclusion

These delicious chicken shawarma represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as the main dish for a family dinner or as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired feast, they’re sure to impress with their bold, aromatic spices and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this chicken shawarma recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the marinating and baking process. So why not try your hand at making this irresistible dish at home and experience the authentic taste of the Middle East in your own kitchen?