Chicken Shawarma Recipe: A Middle Eastern Delight

Chicken Shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in the world, especially in the Middle East.

Known for its bold, tangy, spiced flavors and juicy meat wrapped in warm pita, it’s a satisfying meal for any time of day.

Whether you’re enjoying it from a food truck or preparing it at home, Chicken Shawarma is a truly irresistible dish. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step homemade version that captures the authenticity and richness of this iconic dish.

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Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg boneless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs preferred for juiciness)
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):

• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 egg white (optional, for emulsifying)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (neutral, like sunflower)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1–2 tbsp cold water (if needed)

For Assembling:

• 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickled turnips or pickles
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Red onions (thinly sliced)
• Fresh parsley or mint leaves (optional)
• Chili sauce or tahini (optional)

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Serves

This Chicken Shawarma recipe serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. Perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-lock bag.
4. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce (Toum)

1. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, egg white (if using), and a pinch of salt.
2. Begin blending and gradually drizzle in the oil while blending to form an emulsion.
3. Once the sauce thickens, add lemon juice and blend again.
4. Add water as needed to adjust consistency. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook Chicken Shawarma in different ways depending on your kitchen setup:

Option A: Oven Roasting

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
3. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack.
4. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 3–5 minutes to get a charred edge.

Option B: Stovetop Grilling

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a touch of oil and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Option C: Outdoor Grill

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
• Slice thinly into strips, just like traditional shawarma meat.

Step 5: Assemble the Shawarma

1. Warm the pita or flatbread slightly on a pan.
2. Spread a generous spoon of garlic sauce.
3. Add sliced chicken, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions.
4. Roll tightly and wrap in parchment or foil to keep it intact.
5. Serve warm with extra garlic sauce or tahini on the side.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chicken Shawarma with a side of fries, hummus, or tabbouleh for a complete meal.
• Pair it with a cold drink like ayran (a yogurt-based drink) or mint lemonade.
• You can serve the chicken on a shawarma platter with rice, garlic sauce, salad, and pita on the side.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma

1. Use Chicken Thighs: They are juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
2. Marinate Overnight: More time means deeper flavor penetration.
3. Cook at High Heat: To get a nice charred edge, mimic the street-style shawarma spit.
4. Rest the Chicken: Always let the meat rest before slicing to retain juices.
5. Use Fresh Garlic: It makes all the difference in the sauce.

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Healthier Alternatives

Want to make Chicken Shawarma healthier? Here are some tips:

• Grill or Bake Instead of Frying: Reduces fat content significantly.
• Use Chicken Breast: Leaner than thighs, though slightly less juicy.
• Whole-Wheat Pita: Adds fiber and is a healthier carb option.
• Low-Fat Yogurt Sauce: Swap garlic mayo for low-fat yogurt mixed with garlic and lemon.
• Load with Veggies: Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions boost nutrition and volume.

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Creative Variations

Chicken Shawarma can be incredibly versatile. Here are some fun twists:

1. Shawarma Bowls: Serve over rice or couscous instead of in a wrap.
2. Shawarma Pizza: Use naan as the base, add garlic sauce, chicken, onions, and cheese.
3. Shawarma Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with chicken, cheese, and veggies, then grill.
4. Spicy Shawarma: Add harissa or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
5. Shawarma Sliders: Use mini buns, garlic sauce, and chicken for party snacks.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Marinade Time: Less time equals less flavor.
2. Using Too Little Spice: Shawarma is defined by bold spice blends.
3. Overcooking the Chicken: Makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
4. Using Store-Bought Garlic Sauce: Homemade toum has a much fresher taste.
5. Overstuffing Wraps: Makes them difficult to roll and eat.

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History of Chicken Shawarma

The word Shawarma is derived from the Turkish word “çevirme,” meaning “turning,” referencing the method of cooking meat on a rotating spit. It traces its roots to the Ottoman Empire, where vertical rotisserie cooking was first developed in the 19th century. This technique later evolved into various global dishes like the Greek gyros and Mexican al pastor.

As the dish spread across the Middle East, especially in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel, Chicken Shawarma became a popular and widely loved version of the traditional lamb or beef shawarma. The switch to chicken offered a more affordable, accessible, and often lighter version of the original meat.

With globalization and the popularity of Mediterranean cuisine, Chicken Shawarma found its way into food trucks, restaurants, and home kitchens worldwide. Today, it’s a global comfort food, appreciated for its rich flavors, easy adaptability, and street-style charm.

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FAQs about Chicken Shawarma

1. Can I make Chicken Shawarma without yogurt?

Yes, though yogurt adds tenderness and tang. You can substitute it with a mix of lemon juice and olive oil.

2. Can I use store-bought shawarma spice mix?

Absolutely, but fresh spices will give a more authentic and vibrant flavor.

3. How long can I store cooked Chicken Shawarma?

It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

4. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can make the marinade and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using.

5. Is Chicken Shawarma spicy?

It’s usually mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level with cayenne or chili sauce.

6. What’s the best bread for Shawarma?

Pita, lavash, or any soft flatbread works best for wrapping.

7. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or seitan and follow the same marinade.

8. Can I cook it in an air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. What dips go well with Chicken Shawarma?

Garlic sauce (toum), tahini, hummus, or spicy chili sauce are popular choices.

10. What vegetables can I use in the wrap?

Tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, onions, shredded lettuce, and cabbage are great options.

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Chicken Shawarma is more than just a wrap, it’s a culinary experience that brings the essence of Middle Eastern street food right into your home. With its bold marinade, smoky charred flavor, and the cooling contrast of creamy garlic sauce, it’s no surprise that this dish has become a worldwide favorite.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, hosting a themed party, or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Shawarma is as versatile as it is delicious. And with the variations and tips in this guide, you can make it suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. So grab those spices, warm up that oven or grill, and enjoy the magic of homemade Chicken Shawarma.