What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how easy and flavorful this homemade chicken shawarma is—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Bold, aromatic spices give the chicken its signature smoky-sweet flavor.
- Juicy, tender meat cooks perfectly every time, whether grilled or baked.
- Versatile serving options let you enjoy it in wraps, salads, or over rice.
Recipe
Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken packed with aromatic spices and can be served in wraps, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Pita bread or tortillas
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
- Hummus or tahini sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat a skillet, grill, or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Serve the chicken in pita bread or tortillas with sliced vegetables and hummus or tahini sauce.
Notes:
- For a quicker option, use chicken breast, but thighs are juicier.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet, grill, or oven
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour to overnight
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Serving:
Serves 4
Nutrition
Shawarma is a flavorful dish that can be made healthier with the right ingredients. Below is the nutritional breakdown for a serving of homemade chicken shawarma.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 kcal | 28 g | 15 g | 14 g | 2 g | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken shawarma with fresh, fluffy pita bread and crisp veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. A creamy garlic sauce or tangy tahini dip adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite even more delicious. Don’t forget sides like hummus or a simple tabbouleh salad—they round out the meal so well!
Side Dishes
When you’re serving up homemade shawarma, it’s all about creating a spread that’s as satisfying as the main dish itself. I love pairing it with fluffy basmati rice or warm pita bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A crisp cucumber-tomato salad adds freshness, while roasted garlic hummus brings creamy richness. Don’t forget pickled turnips for tangy contrast—they’re a game-changer! If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some golden, crispy falafel or roasted eggplant for extra texture. The key is balancing flavors and textures so every bite complements the shawarma perfectly. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Sauces and Dips
Though the chicken shawarma’s got all the bold spices you crave, it’s the sauces and dips that take it over the top. My go-to is garlic sauce—creamy, tangy, and packed with garlic punch. Tahini sauce adds nutty richness, while a zesty yogurt dip cools things down. Don’t skip the spicy zhug or amba, a tangy mango pickle sauce, if you love heat and funk. Hummus works too, doubling as a dip or spread. Trust me, these sauces aren’t just extras—they’re what make each bite unforgettable. Mix and match to find your perfect combo!
