Chicken Shawarma Recipe

  

🍴 Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Authentic, Juicy & Easy to Make at Home

Chicken Shawarma is one of the most loved Middle Eastern street foods, famous for its tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables. The good news is, you don’t need a rotating spit to enjoy it – you can easily make this mouthwatering dish at home using simple ingredients.

In this post, I’ll share a step-by-step Chicken Shawarma recipe, along with tips, variations, nutritional value, and serving ideas to help you recreate this classic dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

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🥘 Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt to taste

For Serving

• Pita bread or flatbreads

• Sliced tomatoes

• Sliced cucumbers

• Sliced onions

• Chopped fresh parsley

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   • In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

   • Mix well until a smooth paste forms.

2. Marinate the Chicken

   • Add chicken slices into the marinade.

   • Coat evenly, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (overnight gives the best flavor).

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

   • In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

   • Adjust thickness with a little water if needed.

   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Cook the Chicken

   • Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.

   • Cook marinated chicken slices for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly charred.

5. Warm the Bread

   • Heat pita or flatbreads for 1 minute on each side until soft and fluffy.

6. Assemble the Shawarma

   • Spread garlic sauce on warm pita.

   • Add cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley.

   • Roll into a wrap or serve open-faced.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

   • Pair with fries, pickles, or a fresh salad.

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💡 Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma

• Marinate overnight – the longer the chicken sits in spices, the more flavorful it becomes.

• Use chicken thighs – they stay juicier than chicken breasts.

• Cook on high heat – this gives the charred, smoky shawarma flavor.

• Make it healthier – use whole wheat pita and light yogurt sauce.

• Batch cook & freeze – marinate and freeze chicken for quick weeknight meals.

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🍽️ Variations of Chicken Shawarma

• Beef Shawarma – Swap chicken with thinly sliced beef strips.

• Vegan Shawarma – Use roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, or chickpeas.

• Shawarma Plate – Serve with rice, salad, and hummus instead of pita.

• Spicy Shawarma – Increase cayenne or add chili sauce for extra heat.

• Cheese Shawarma – Add shredded cheese inside the wrap for a fusion twist.

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🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 4g

(Values may vary based on portion size and toppings.)

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🌍 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma

✔️ Easy to make at home
✔️ Authentic Middle Eastern flavors
✔️ Family-friendly and customizable
✔️ High-protein and nutritious
✔️ Perfect for meal prep