Authentic Chicken Shawarma (Middle East) Recipe – Flavorful

Chicken Shawarma (Middle East) – Chicken Shawarma (Middle East) is one of the most beloved street foods in the world — a savory, spiced, and juicy dish that captures the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. Originating from the Levant region, shawarma is traditionally made by stacking marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie, slowly roasting it to perfection, and slicing it thinly for serving. This flavorful dish is usually wrapped in pita bread and topped with garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, or fresh salad.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour (marination)
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Cuisines: Middle Eastern
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Grill pan or cast-iron skillet (or oven)

• Tongs

• Knife and cutting board

• Serving platter

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 700g (1.5 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Warm pita or flatbread

• Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

• Pickled onions or turnips

• Garlic sauce or tahini sauce

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices — cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the marinade is smooth and aromatic.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor absorption. The longer the chicken marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You can cook the chicken in one of three ways:

• Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly charred.

• Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and bake the chicken on a lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet or grill pan with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Cook each side for 5–7 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken thinly into strips, just like traditional shawarma.

Step 5: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
Warm your pita bread slightly. Add a layer of garlic sauce or tahini, followed by the sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and pickles. Roll it up tightly, securing it with foil if necessary.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade Chicken Shawarma warm, either as a wrap or with a side of rice and salad. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma

1. Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, especially when grilled.

2. Don’t Skip Marination: Allowing the chicken to rest in the marinade is key for deep, authentic Middle Eastern flavor.

3. Add Smoke: For a street-style effect, hold a small piece of burning charcoal in a bowl, drizzle it with a little oil, and cover the chicken briefly for a smoky aroma.

4. Make It a Bowl: Skip the bread and serve over rice, roasted veggies, or couscous for a low-carb option.

5. Balance Flavors: Pair with creamy garlic sauce to balance the warm spices of the chicken

Variations

• Beef Shawarma: Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef sirloin for a heartier version.

• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled mushrooms or tofu, seasoned with the same spice blend.

• Spicy Shawarma: Add extra cayenne or a spoon of harissa for more heat.

• Shawarma Platter: Serve the chicken with hummus, tabbouleh, and pita chips for a mezze-style meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Shawarma (Middle East) is more than just a meal — it’s a culinary experience that captures the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of tender, spiced chicken wrapped in soft pita with creamy sauce and fresh vegetables makes every bite irresistible.