Chicken Shawarma

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Chicken Shawarma (Authentic Flavor, Easy Method)

Make chicken shawarma at home with bold Middle Eastern flavors using this easy recipe! It features the best shawarma marinade and a perfect blend of spices. I love serving it wrapped in warm pita bread with hummus, homemade tzatziki sauce, and a fresh veggie salad.

What Is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made from thinly sliced meat—usually lamb, beef, or chicken—that’s marinated with spices, stacked on a vertical spit, and slowly roasted. As the outer layers cook, they’re shaved off and served. It originated in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) and evolved from the traditional Turkish döner kebab.

Today, shawarma is a staple street food across the Middle East and North Africa, especially in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. It’s often served in pita or flatbread, accompanied by sauces like tahini or garlic sauce and garnished with pickles and vegetables.

Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma

No vertical spit? No problem! You can make flavorful, tender chicken shawarma at home using a simple marinade and a grill or grill pan. We’re serving it the classic way—as a wrap, tucked inside pita bread with fresh toppings.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal—they stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts work too, but be careful not to overcook.
  • Other Proteins: Try the same marinade with lamb, steak, or even shrimp (just marinate shrimp for 30 minutes max).
  • Bread Options: Traditional pita is best, but lavash, naan, tortillas, or lettuce wraps work just as well.
  • Greek Yogurt Substitutes: Use plain yogurt or sour cream in the tzatziki sauce if needed.
  • Shawarma Spices:
    • Paprika (smoked or sweet)
    • Ground cumin
    • Ground coriander
    • Turmeric
    • Ground cardamom
    • Ground cinnamon (or allspice as an alternative)
    • Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
    • Salt and black pepper
  • Tip: Save the spice blend as a screenshot—it’s all you need for next time!

Tzatziki Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

While your chicken marinates, whip up this refreshing sauce:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice & zest
  • Dill (fresh or dried)
  • Cumin
  • Salt & black pepper

Mix everything in a bowl and chill until serving.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma (Step-by-Step)

  1. Make the Marinade:
    In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, spices, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 1–2 hours at room temp or refrigerate overnight.
  3. Prepare the Grill:
    Bring chicken to room temperature. Heat a grill or grill pan to high and lightly oil the surface.
  4. Cook the Chicken:
    Grill 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with nice char marks. Let rest under foil for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  5. Warm the Bread (Optional):
    Grill your pita for 15–30 seconds per side to make it soft and slightly charred.
  6. Assemble and Serve:
    Fill your pita with sliced chicken, a dollop of hummus or tzatziki, and fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, or shredded lettuce.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Rice: Serve the shawarma over turmeric rice or couscous.
  • With Salad: Pair with tabbouleh or fattoush salad for a lighter meal.
  • Make it a Platter: Include pickles, olives, grilled veggies, and sauces on a large board.

 

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