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+ servings
Mary Kelly

Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe

When it comes to vibrant, flavorful meals, chicken shawarma shines like a star. It's an alluring dish with a rich history, originating from the Middle East, where meat is marinated and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. While that might sound fancy, I'm here to show you how to bring that tantalizing taste to your kitchen without the spinning contraption.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moroccan
Calories: 624

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 kg 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground green cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Yogurt Sauce:
  • 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic mashed into a paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • A small squeeze of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
To Serve:
  • Shredded lettuce cos or iceberg
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Grated cheese optional
  • 4-5 soft flatbreads Lebanese, pita, or homemade
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Hot chili sauce or garlic sauce optional

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet, Zip-lock bag, bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. First and foremost, you’ll create a vibrant marinade. In a large bowl, combine the coriander, garlic, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon. Whisk these together until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands for this or a spatula; just get in there! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. The longer it sits, the better the flavor.
Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce
  1. While the chicken marinates, mix up the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mashed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped mint for that refreshing kick. Set this aside; it will be a wonderful accompaniment!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
  1. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, trust me!
Step 5: Rest and Slice
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This is crucial as it helps to retain the juices. Then, slice the chicken into strips.
Step 6: Assemble Your Shawarma
  1. Now comes the fun part! Take your flatbreads and layer them with shredded lettuce, sliced red onions, and those beautiful chicken strips. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce, add tomato slices, and include any additional toppings of your choice.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Wrap up your shawarma, and enjoy immediately. The combination of spices, textures, and flavors will surely make this a hit at your table!

Nutrition

Calories: 624kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 59gFat: 21.1gSaturated Fat: 5.1gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 1701mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 39mg

Notes

  1. Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. However, if you’re short on time, even an hour will do.
  2. Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. However, if you prefer chicken breast, you can use that too.
  3. Don't Skip the Sauce: The yogurt sauce adds necessary creaminess and balances the spices.
  4. Grill It: If weather permits, grill the chicken on an outdoor barbecue for added smokiness.
Wrap It Right: Warming the flatbreads before assembly makes them pliable and enhances flavor.

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