Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Middle Eastern Style) 🌯🌯🐔🌿
Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Shawarma at Home – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy!
If you’ve ever craved the smoky, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food, this Chicken Shawarma Recipe is exactly what you need. From juicy marinated chicken to creamy garlic sauce, this wrap brings bold flavor straight to your kitchen. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, it’s easy to recreate an authentic shawarma experience at home with minimal effort.
🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma
For the Chicken Marinade:
-
Boneless chicken thighs or breast – 500g (thighs give the juiciest results)
-
Yogurt – ½ cup (adds tenderness and flavor)
-
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp
-
Lemon juice – 1½ tbsp
-
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
-
Vinegar – 1 tbsp (white or apple cider vinegar works)
-
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
-
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
-
Paprika – 1 tsp
-
Red chilli powder – ½ to 1 tsp (adjust to your spice preference)
-
Garam masala or allspice – 1 tsp
-
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
-
Salt – to taste
🔪 How to Make Chicken Shawarma – Step by Step
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly.
📌 Pro Tip: For best flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better.
2. Cook the Chicken
Choose the method that suits you best:
-
Stovetop: Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a pan. Cook chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked (approx. 6–8 minutes per side). Let it rest, then slice thinly.
-
Oven: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place chicken on a tray and bake for 25–30 minutes. For a charred effect, broil for 3–5 minutes at the end.
-
Air Fryer or Grill: Cook at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Expect juicy meat with that signature grilled texture.
🧄 Homemade Garlic Sauce (Toum-Inspired)
This creamy garlic sauce ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients:
-
Mayonnaise – ½ cup
-
Garlic cloves (minced) – 4–5
-
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
-
Salt – to taste
-
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
-
Yogurt – 2 tbsp (optional, for added creaminess)
Method:
Blend or whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
🌯 Assembling the Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Now comes the fun part—building your wrap!
You’ll Need:
-
Pita bread or khubz (store-bought or homemade)
-
Cooked chicken shawarma (sliced thinly)
-
Garlic sauce or hummus
-
Pickled cucumbers, pickled onions
-
Lettuce, cabbage, tomato slices (optional)
Assembly Instructions:
-
Warm the pita bread slightly on a skillet or in the oven.
-
Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce or hummus.
-
Layer with chicken slices and your choice of toppings.
-
Roll up tightly into a wrap—or fold like a taco—and serve!
 |
| Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Middle Eastern Style) |
💡 Tips for Best Results
-
Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
-
Use chicken thighs for more moisture and taste.
-
Don’t skip the garlic sauce—it elevates the entire dish.
-
Serve with fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
-
Double the batch and freeze the extra chicken for easy meals later.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
-
Classic Shawarma Wrap: With pickles and fries inside the wrap
-
Shawarma Plate: Serve sliced chicken with rice, salad, and hummus
-
Low-Carb Option: Make a Shawarma Bowl with lettuce, tahini, and grilled veggies
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
-
Fridge: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days
-
Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken up to 2 months
-
Reheat: Lightly pan-fry or microwave cooked chicken before serving
🧾 Nutrition (Approx. per wrap):
-
Calories: 350–400 kcal
-
Protein: 25–30g
-
Carbs: 20–25g
-
Fat: 15–20g
(Varies based on toppings and bread used.)
📌 Final Thoughts
This Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe is a must-try for food lovers who crave bold flavors and street-style charm. With easy steps and everyday ingredients, you can make this crowd-pleaser any day of the week. Whether it’s dinner with family or impressing guests—shawarma always wins.