Created on November 29th, 2025 at 04:02 pm
A classic Middle Eastern dish made easily at home
Chicken shawarma is a delectable feature of Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and tender texture. Wrapped in warm pita or served on a plate, it combines marinated chicken that is spiced to perfection with a rich, garlicky sauce. The aroma of spices, marinated chicken, and the scent of toasting pita fill the kitchen, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Each bite offers a balance of savory flavor, a touch of warmth, and a burst of freshness, making it an appealing option for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Beyond its enticing flavor, chicken shawarma is practical for busy lives. It can seamlessly transition from a casual family meal to a stylish dish for entertaining guests. With simple ingredients, this recipe brings the taste of the Middle East to your table, allowing you to create a satisfying and comforting dish that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Rotation
This chicken shawarma recipe stands out for its tenderness, depth of flavor, and ease of preparation. The marinated chicken absorbs the spices beautifully, resulting in juicy pieces that burst with flavor. The garlic sauce, made with fresh ingredients, adds a creamy contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. The use of ingredients that are often readily available makes this an approachable recipe for any home cook, regardless of experience.
Additionally, it’s an incredibly versatile dish. Pair it with various sides like fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld, making it an excellent option for lunch or casual meals throughout the week.
Time Breakdown
This chicken shawarma recipe comes together quickly, fitting easily into busy weeknights. The majority of the cooking time is simple prep and hands-off cooking, inviting you to enjoy the aromas as it simmers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs (≈680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Optional: 4 pita breads or flatbreads for serving
- Optional: fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions) for garnish
Kitchen Tools
This recipe makes use of common kitchen tools, ensuring a straightforward cooking experience. The right equipment can make all the difference in ease and efficiency.
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and spread it evenly in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is well cooked and lightly browned.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and remaining minced garlic. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness.
Warm the pita or flatbreads in the skillet briefly if desired. To serve, layer the chicken on the bread and drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Top with fresh vegetables if using.
Pro Tips
- Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Adjust the cayenne to your preference for heat; you can always add more during serving.
- Serve the shawarma with a fresh salad or pickles for extra contrast in flavor.
A Quick Middle Eastern Escape
Chicken shawarma is a delightful way to bring a taste of the Middle East into your home. The combination of spices and creamy garlic sauce creates a memorable meal that’s effortless to prepare. The ease of cooking and the balance of flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Keep this recipe on hand for those days when delicious, hearty meals are desired without extensive preparation. With chicken shawarma, simplicity meets satisfaction.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp olive oil Divided for marinade and cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Juice of lemon
Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
For Serving
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads (optional) For serving.
- fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions) (optional) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare garlic sauce by whisking together the Greek yogurt and remaining minced garlic in a small bowl. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and spread it evenly in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is well cooked and lightly browned.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving
- Warm the pita or flatbreads in the skillet briefly if desired. To serve, layer the chicken on the bread and drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Top with fresh vegetables if using.
Notes
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