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Chicken Shawarma Recipe 51.png

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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🍗 Enjoy the authentic, rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe.
🌿 Juicy marinated chicken paired with a creamy yogurt sauce offers a delicious, customizable meal perfect for wraps or platters.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes plus marinating
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets (chicken breast or tenderloin can be used)

– 1 large garlic clove, minced

– 1 tablespoon ground coriander

– 1 tablespoon ground cumin

– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom

– 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for less spice)

– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

– 2 teaspoons salt

– Black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 cup Greek yogurt

– 1 clove garlic, crushed

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– Squeeze of lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 4 to 5 Lebanese or pita breads or any soft flatbreads

– Sliced lettuce (cos or iceberg)

– Tomato slices

– Red onion, thinly sliced

– Shredded cheese (optional)

– Hot sauce or chili sauce (optional)

Instructions

1-Combine all marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag: 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets, 1 large garlic clove minced, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

2-Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic crushed, 1 teaspoon cumin, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

3-Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, or brush a grill with oil and heat to medium-high.

4-Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until charred, then flip and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until done.

5-Remove the chicken from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

6-Serve by slicing the chicken and arranging it with 4 to 5 Lebanese or pita breads, sliced lettuce, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, the yogurt sauce, and optional shredded cheese and hot sauce.

Notes

🍗 Using thigh fillets ensures juiciness and better caramelization; breast can be used if cooked quickly.
🌿 Do not skip ground cardamom—it adds unique piney, citrusy notes.
⏲️ Marinate ahead or freeze chicken in marinade to enhance flavors.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating time: 3 hours or overnight
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling/Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Gluten-Free option (with suitable flatbread)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 1.1g
  • Sodium: 918mg
  • Fat: 16.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 32.9g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg