Title: Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Juicy, Spiced, and Easy!
Learn how to make juicy and flavorful Middle Eastern chicken shawarma at home with simple spices, garlic yogurt sauce, and pita bread. Perfect for wraps, bowls, or platters!
Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Middle Eastern Style)
Craving the bold flavors of street-style chicken shawarma? This recipe brings the rich, spiced taste of the Middle East right into your kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken, seared or roasted to perfection, wrapped in warm pita with creamy garlic sauce—this is comfort food at its finest.
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a fun DIY shawarma night, this recipe is easy, healthy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion
- Pickles or pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley or mint
- Hummus or tahini (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the chicken:
Grill, pan-fry, or roast the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
3. Make the garlic yogurt sauce:
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until ready to use.
4. Assemble the shawarma:
Place sliced chicken in pita bread. Top with veggies, pickles, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of garlic sauce. Add hummus or tahini if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Recipe:
- Rich, warm spices and citrusy flavor
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Quick to prep and easy to cook
- Great for wraps, bowls, or salads
- Perfect for make-ahead lunches or parties
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in pita with garlic sauce and salad
- Build a shawarma rice bowl
- Wrap in flatbread with tahini and grilled veggies
- Pair with tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, or fries
Tips & Variations:
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results
- Make it spicy with extra cayenne or hot sauce
- Add texture with shredded lettuce or crispy onions
- Make it dairy-free with a tahini or garlic-lemon oil sauce
- Meal prep: Cook in bulk and use throughout the week in different meals
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought shawarma spice mix?
A: Yes, just replace the dry spices with 1.5–2 tbsp of shawarma spice blend.
Q: Can I cook it in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Q: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
A: Yes, freeze in a zip-lock bag with marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
Final Thoughts:
This chicken shawarma recipe is your new go-to for delicious Middle Eastern meals at home. With bold spices, easy steps, and endless ways to serve, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tried this recipe?
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