Name: Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the authentic flavors of the Middle East right into your kitchen. The marinated chicken is bursting with spices, tender and juicy from hours of marination, and perfect when paired with creamy garlic sauce or tahini. Whether you’re making wraps or serving it over rice or salad, this versatile recipe will become a regular on your menu.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Plain yogurt
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic cloves, minced
Ground cumin
Ground paprika
Ground turmeric
Ground cinnamon
Ground coriander
Ground allspice
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices to create a marinade.
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat a grill pan, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Serve in warm pita or flatbread with garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2 to 12 hours
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: Up to 12 hours 25 minutes (depending on marination)

Variations

Grilled Shawarma: Use an outdoor grill for smoky flavor and charred edges.
Shawarma Bowls: Serve sliced chicken over rice or couscous with salad and sauces.
Low-Carb Option: Wrap in lettuce or serve over cauliflower rice.
Spicy Shawarma: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for heat.
Yogurt-Free: Swap yogurt with coconut milk or olive oil if avoiding dairy.
Vegetarian Twist: Use portobello mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken.
Wrap Add-Ons: Add fries, hummus, or feta cheese inside the wrap.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for shawarma?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used if sliced thinly and not overcooked.

Can I cook chicken shawarma in the oven?

Yes, bake the marinated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked, then broil for a few minutes to get a charred effect.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.

What’s the best sauce to serve with chicken shawarma?

Garlic sauce (toum), tahini sauce, or yogurt-based sauces are commonly served with shawarma.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or use just olive oil and lemon juice.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The spice blend is aromatic, not hot. You can add chili or cayenne for heat if desired.

Can I use store-bought shawarma spice?

Yes, if you’re short on time, a quality shawarma spice mix can replace the individual spices.

What sides go well with chicken shawarma?

Tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, pickles, fries, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad complement it well.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated raw chicken. Thaw in the fridge and cook as directed.

Can I meal prep chicken shawarma?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken can be stored for the week and used in wraps, bowls, or salads.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare at home with everyday ingredients and spices. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers flexibility and bold flavor in every bite. Customize it with your favorite sides and sauces to make it your own Middle Eastern feast.