Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish consisting of marinated chicken that’s cooked on a rotating spit and served in a pita or flatbread wrap. This recipe brings the authentic taste of shawarma right to your kitchen, with tender, juicy chicken marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection. Whether you enjoy it wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies or served with a side of rice, Chicken Shawarma is a popular dish loved around the world.

Shawarma is often a go-to street food, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate it at home. Packed with spices, tender chicken, and a creamy garlic sauce, this homemade shawarma is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

• 500g boneless chicken thighs (skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Pita bread or flatbread (for serving)
• Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, onion, lettuce, etc.)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

How to Make Chicken Shawarma: Step-by-Step Process

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). Mix well to form a marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cook the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to taste. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. Assemble the Shawarma

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Lay a warm pita bread or flatbread on a plate and add a few slices of chicken. Top with fresh vegetables like sliced tomato, cucumber, onion, and lettuce.

5. Add the Garlic Sauce

Generously drizzle the garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. You can also add a little hot sauce if you like it spicy.

6. Wrap and Serve

Wrap the pita or flatbread tightly around the chicken and vegetables to form a shawarma wrap. Serve immediately, or if you’re making a batch, you can wrap them in foil for a quick and easy meal later.

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Shawarma

• Use Boneless Thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred for shawarma due to their rich flavor and tenderness. The fat in chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy, making it perfect for grilling.
• Let the Chicken Marinate: Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the best results. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
• Grilling vs. Pan-Frying: While grilling is traditional, pan-frying the chicken in a skillet or roasting it in the oven also works well for making shawarma at home.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings. You can add pickles, olives, or even a drizzle of tahini for added richness.
• Make It Spicy: If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade, or drizzle some hot sauce into the shawarma wrap for an extra kick.

Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma

• Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The spices in shawarma, such as cumin and coriander, are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil in the marinade adds heart-healthy fats to the dish.
• Low in Carbs: If you serve shawarma without the pita or wrap, it’s a great low-carb, high-protein option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma

• With Pita or Flatbread: As a classic shawarma wrap, serve the chicken in pita or flatbread along with garlic sauce and fresh veggies.
• As a Plate: You can serve the shawarma as a plate by placing the sliced chicken on a bed of rice or couscous, adding vegetables and a dollop of garlic sauce on top.
• With Hummus: Serve shawarma with a side of creamy hummus for a traditional Middle Eastern feast.

Chicken Shawarma is an easy, flavorful dish that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine but want to recreate it in their own kitchen. With a well-balanced mix of spices, tender chicken, and creamy garlic sauce, Chicken Shawarma is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try making it today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal!