Chicken Shawarma is one of those dishes that effortlessly transports you to the lively streets of the Middle East.

With its fragrant spices and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Succulent and deeply flavorful, chicken shawarma is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prep for busy days ahead.

Why spend hours in a restaurant when you can create this mouthwatering dish right in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the details!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is a celebration of spices, marinated to perfection and then grilled to juicy, golden-brown perfection.

Not only is it easy to make, but it also features accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

The delightful aroma wafting through your home while it cooks is a fragrant promise of the delicious meal to come.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—great in wraps, salads, or served simply on a plate with sides.

Ingredients

2 pounds (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or a mix of the two
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
50 ml juice of 1 lemon
6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Whisk together thoroughly until you achieve a cohesive marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the boneless, skinless chicken to the bowl with the marinade.

Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a zip-top bag.

Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.

Alternatively, you can use an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

For the grill: Place the marinated chicken directly onto the grill grates, and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

For the oven: Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and browned.

Step 5: Let it Rest

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

This helps retain the juices and ensures tender chicken.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken thinly.

Serve it in wraps, on salads, or with your favorite side dishes.

Drizzle with tahini sauce or a garlic yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Expert Tips

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
If using chicken breasts, consider using a meat mallet to pound them slightly for even cooking.
Experiment with different spices to customize the marinade to your taste.
Consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after cooking for a fresh touch.

Variations and Customizations

For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add a tablespoon of yogurt to the marinade for added tenderness and a slight tang.
Consider adding vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the grill for a complete meal.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover Chicken Shawarma, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

Just be sure to slice the chicken before freezing for easy use later.

Simply reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through before serving.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Shawarma in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Simply marinate the chicken as directed and place it in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What sides pair well with Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken Shawarma pairs wonderfully with rice, pita bread, tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad.

Don’t forget to include tahini sauce or garlic sauce for drizzling!

Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for easy slicing and eating, you can use skin-on chicken for a juicier result.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may take longer to cook through.

Can I grill the chicken if it’s frozen?

It is best to thaw the chicken before marinating and grilling.

Cooking frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and may not achieve the desired flavor and texture.

Always thaw in the refrigerator or in cold water before marinating.

Conclusion

This homemade Chicken Shawarma is a delightful journey through flavors and spices, offering a taste of Middle Eastern street food right at your dinner table.

Whether you keep it traditional or add your own twist, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the aroma and taste of chicken shawarma tonight! You’ll wonder why you hadn’t made it sooner!

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