If you love bold spices and juicy grilled meat, this Chicken Shawarma recipe is for you! Traditionally, shawarma is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, but this homemade version gives you the same smoky, spiced flavors with an easy pan-seared or oven-roasted method. Serve it in a warm pita with fresh veggies and a creamy garlic sauce, and you have a meal that’s better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors – A perfect blend of warm spices.
✔️ Easy to Make at Home – No special equipment required!
✔️ Versatile – Serve in pita, over rice, or as a salad.
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead for an easy weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- Fresh lettuce or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices.
- Add the chicken thighs, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Option 1: Stovetop Method
4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Option 2: Oven Method
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Let the chicken rest, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
- Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Spread garlic yogurt sauce on the pita.
- Add sliced chicken, tomato, onion, cucumber, and lettuce.
- Wrap it up and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma
✔️ Marinate Overnight – The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
✔️ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
✔️ Try It on the Grill – Adds a smoky, authentic flavor.
✔️ Make It Low-Carb – Skip the pita and serve over salad or cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma?
🥙 Hummus & Pita Chips – A classic side.
🥗 Fattoush Salad – A fresh, crunchy Middle Eastern salad.
🍚 Turmeric Rice – A fragrant, spiced rice dish.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Chicken Shawarma
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 70
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Oven
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Make the best homemade chicken shawarma with bold spices, juicy meat, and garlic yogurt sauce. A flavorful Middle Eastern classic!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- Fresh lettuce or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices.
- Add the chicken thighs, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Option 1: Stovetop Method
1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. - Option 2: Oven Method
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Let the chicken rest, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
- Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Spread garlic yogurt sauce on the pita.
- Add sliced chicken, tomato, onion, cucumber, and lettuce.
- Wrap it up and enjoy!
Notes
- ✔️ Marinate Overnight – The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
- ✔️ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- ✔️ Try It on the Grill – Adds a smoky, authentic flavor.
- ✔️ Make It Low-Carb – Skip the pita and serve over salad or cauliflower rice.
Keywords: chicken shawarma, homemade shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken, garlic yogurt sauce, grilled chicken, shawarma wraps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe with Beef or Lamb?
Yes! Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef or lamb and follow the same marinade and cooking instructions.
Can I Cook This in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the Best Type of Pita Bread?
Look for soft, fluffy pita bread or Middle Eastern flatbread for authentic results.
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