Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Journey to Middle Eastern Delights

If you’re a fan of bold, aromatic spices and tender, juicy meat, then Chicken Shawarma is the dish you’ve been waiting for. This beloved Middle Eastern street food is a delicious blend of marinated chicken, a variety of spices, and a savory char from grilling or roasting. Whether served on a warm pita, tucked into a soft flatbread, or piled into a bowl with fresh toppings, chicken shawarma is one of those dishes that never fails to impress.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make your very own Chicken Shawarma at home, with tips on marinating, cooking, and assembling this mouthwatering dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East straight to your kitchen.

What is Chicken Shawarma?

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned meat, typically beef, lamb, or chicken, that is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is stacked in layers and cooked on the rotisserie while slowly turning, allowing the fat to render down and keep the meat juicy and flavorful. The cooked outer layers are shaved off and served with toppings like fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces.

While lamb and beef shawarma are the traditional versions, chicken shawarma has become a favorite due to its lighter, yet equally flavorful, profile. The secret to great chicken shawarma is in the marinade, which typically includes a mix of yogurt, garlic, citrus, and a variety of spices. When marinated and cooked correctly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, flavorful, and slightly smoky.

The Perfect Chicken Shawarma Marinade

The marinade is the key to tender and flavorful chicken. It allows the spices to infuse deep into the meat, resulting in a deliciously complex flavor profile. Here’s how to make a simple yet effective chicken shawarma marinade:

Ingredients for the Marinade:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (thighs work best because they’re tender and juicy)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons plain yogurt (for tang and tenderness)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional for extra depth of flavor)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into strips or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better for maximum flavor).
Optional: For extra flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of tahini to the marinade for a richer taste.

Cooking Chicken Shawarma

There are several ways to cook chicken shawarma, but two popular methods include grilling and roasting. Both methods yield tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred exterior and crispy edges, giving that authentic shawarma texture. Here’s how to do both:

1. Grilling Method:

If you have access to a grill, this method will give you the smoky, charred flavor that makes shawarma so special.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers or place the whole thighs directly onto the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

2. Oven Roasting Method:

No grill? No problem! You can easily achieve great results in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly oiled rack for better airflow.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are slightly crispy.
Once done, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.

Tip: For extra crispy edges, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after roasting.

Assembling the Chicken Shawarma

Once your chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your delicious shawarma. The beauty of chicken shawarma lies in its versatility—you can enjoy it in wraps, bowls, or even as part of a larger mezze spread. Here’s how to assemble it:

Ingredients for the Shawarma Wrap:

Pita bread, flatbread, or lavash (for wraps)
Fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce
Pickled vegetables (such as pickled turnips or cucumbers, which add a nice tart contrast)
Tahini sauce or garlic sauce (for that creamy, zesty finish)
Hummus (optional for extra creaminess)
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional for added freshness)

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends

Chicken Sharwama