Chicken Shawarma – A Flavor-Packed Middle Eastern Street Food Staple

If you’ve ever strolled through the vibrant streets of the Middle East, the aroma of Chicken Shawarma is unforgettable. Juicy, marinated chicken roasted to perfection and wrapped in fluffy pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini sauce—it’s the ultimate street food experience. With this easy recipe, you can bring the magic of Chicken Shawarma to your kitchen and enjoy a taste of the Middle East anytime you like.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 shawarma wrap

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Dietary Preferences: Dairy-free (can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pita)

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional for extra tenderness)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Assembly:

• 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce
• 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (75g) thinly sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup (50g) pickled turnips or pickled cucumbers (optional, but traditional)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water (adjust for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Detailed Method of Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices for the marinade. Mix well to create a thick paste.
2. Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grill the chicken in batches on the pan. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and slightly charred on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
3. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly into strips.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

1. Warm the pita bread or flatbread in the oven or on a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes.
2. Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce onto the center of the pita.
3. Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, cucumbers, and pickled turnips (if using).
4. Add the sliced chicken shawarma on top and drizzle with more tahini sauce.
5. Roll or fold the pita into a wrap and serve immediately.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Perfect marinade: Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat. Overnight marination is even better for enhanced flavor.
• Cooking alternatives: No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or roast it in the oven for a hands-off method.
• Extra smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade for an authentic smoky shawarma experience.
• Custom toppings: Shawarma is versatile! Add hummus, garlic sauce (toum), or even a spicy harissa sauce for extra layers of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs are preferred as they’re juicier and more flavorful. To avoid dryness, don’t overcook the chicken breasts.

2. What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Shawarma is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with tabbouleh, fattoush, or a side of crispy fries for a full Middle Eastern meal.

3. How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply replace the pita bread with gluten-free flatbread or serve the chicken shawarma over a salad or rice for a gluten-free option.

4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely! Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.

5. Is there a vegan option for shawarma?
Yes, you can use tofu, seitan, or mushrooms as a substitute for chicken. Marinate them in the same spices, and cook as directed.

With this Chicken Shawarma recipe, you can recreate the magic of Middle Eastern street food at home! Juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita, topped with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce—it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, this shawarma recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your homemade shawarma creations with us!