Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Authentic & Homemade)

Chicken Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food loved around the world for its bold spices and juicy, tender meat. In this post, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-style shawarma at home with step-by-step instructions, serving tips, and variations.

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 6 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt & black pepper

🧄 Garlic Sauce (Toum)

• ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

You can cook it three ways:

• Grill: Cook each side for 6–7 minutes until golden brown.
• Oven: Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes.
• Pan-Fry: Cook in olive oil for 6–8 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

Whisk mayo (or yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Warm pita bread, spread garlic sauce, add sliced chicken, veggies, and pickles. Roll and enjoy!

🍴 Serving Ideas

• With butter rice or spiced yellow rice
• Low-carb lettuce wraps
• Shawarma platter with hummus & salad

🔥 Variations

• Vegetarian: Use mushrooms or falafel instead of chicken
• Spicy: Add extra cayenne or chili powder
• Fusion: Try shawarma pizza or shawarma fries

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbs: 30 g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, up to 2 months. Defrost before cooking.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace yogurt with olive oil + lemon juice.

✅ Conclusion

This homemade chicken shawarma recipe brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. Whether you grill, bake, or fry, the results are delicious, healthy, and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!