Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Homemade Chicken Shawarma brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For Serving:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced red onion
- Pickles
- Simple Garlic Sauce (Optional):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and all spices.
- Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high.
- Cook chicken 20–25 minutes in the oven, or 5–7 minutes per side on stovetop/grill, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble in warm pita with toppings and drizzle with garlic sauce.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but breasts can be used if preferred.
- For extra char, broil 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food straight to your kitchen. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, combined with garlic, lemon, and yogurt for incredible depth and juiciness. As the chicken cooks, it develops beautifully caramelized edges while remaining moist and flavorful inside.
Thinly sliced and tucked into warm pita bread, it’s layered with crisp vegetables and drizzled with creamy garlic sauce for the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors. This dish is versatile enough for wraps, rice bowls, or platters and is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can recreate authentic shawarma flavor without a rotisserie. Each bite delivers satisfying spice, texture, and comfort that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
