Juicy, spiced, and packed with bold flavor, Chicken Shawarma is one of the most iconic Middle Eastern street foods. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this flavorful dish features thinly sliced marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita or flatbread and paired with creamy garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables. Its irresistible aroma and perfectly seasoned meat make it a favorite in homes and restaurants around the world.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 2 pounds (900 grams) |
|---|---|
| Garlic, minced | 4-5 cloves (20-25 grams) |
| Fresh lemon juice | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Plain yogurt (optional, but recommended) | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| White vinegar (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ground coriander | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground turmeric | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cardamom | ½ teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional) | ¼ - ½ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons (or to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Pita bread or flatbreads | 6-8 |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise-based garlic sauce (see quick recipe below) or traditional Toum | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Tomatoes, diced | 2 medium |
| Cucumbers, diced | 1 medium |
| Onions, thinly sliced | ½ medium |
| Pickles (cucumber, turnip, etc.), chopped | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
Cooking Steps
Marinate the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips or small pieces. This helps them absorb the marinade and cook quickly.
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, optional yogurt, optional vinegar, all the shawarma spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, salt, black pepper). Mix well to form a paste.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for maximum flavor absorption.
Cook the Chicken Shawarma
Option A: Stovetop (Recommended for home cooking)
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add a single layer of marinated chicken to the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the chicken to brown rather than steam.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through, beautifully browned, and slightly caramelized. Break up any larger pieces with your spatula.
- Remove cooked chicken and repeat with remaining batches.
Option B: Oven Broil/Grill (Simulating Vertical Rotisserie)
- Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots. Watch carefully as broilers vary.
Prepare Serving Components
- While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetables: dice tomatoes and cucumbers, thinly slice onions (and marinate in a pinch of sumac if desired for extra tang), and chop pickles.
- Prepare your garlic sauce (if not already done).
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads according to package instructions (a quick toast in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven works well).
Assemble the Shawarma
- Lay out a warm pita or flatbread.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce on the bread.
- Pile a good portion of the hot, cooked chicken shawarma in the center.
- Top with desired fresh vegetables: diced tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced onions, and chopped pickles.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Roll up the pita tightly to form a wrap, or serve it open-faced as a plate.
Extra Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma
- Thin Slices: Slicing the chicken thinly before marinating helps the flavors penetrate deeply and ensures quick, even cooking.
- Don't Skimp on Marinade Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Overnight is ideal.
- High Heat Cooking: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat (or broil) to get those delicious browned and slightly crispy edges, mimicking the rotisserie effect. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Balance of Flavors: The beauty of shawarma comes from the balance of savory chicken, tangy lemon/garlic, and fresh vegetables. Don't be afraid to adjust spices to your liking.
- Traditional Toum (Garlic Sauce): For a truly authentic experience, try making traditional Toum, a potent Lebanese garlic sauce. It's an emulsion of garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt. (Note: It requires patience and a good food processor/blender.)
Nutritional Value
(per serving, based on 6 servings, without pita/sauce, varies greatly)
| Calories | 250-350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30-40 grams |
| Fat | 15-25 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5-10 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Protein-Rich: Chicken is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building and overall health.
- ✅ Spice-Boosted Nutrition: Shawarma spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- ✅ Low-Carb Friendly: When served in lettuce wraps or bowls, shawarma is a great option for low-carb and keto diets.
- ✅ Customizable Meal: Can be served in wraps, rice bowls, salads, or platters to suit all tastes and dietary needs.
- ✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Marinated chicken can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy days.
Chicken Shawarma brings the flavors of the Middle East straight to your kitchen with its bold seasoning, tender texture, and versatile serving options. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, shawarma is a crowd-pleasing recipe that never disappoints. Serve it in a wrap, over rice, or alongside hummus and tabbouleh for a complete, satisfying meal.
Looking for more authentic Arabic recipes, shawarma sauce ideas, or quick chicken dishes? Explore our collection of flavorful, step-by-step guides and elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality results. Don’t forget to bookmark your favorite recipes and share the joy of shawarma with family and friends!