Imagine the smell of grilled chicken, seasoned with aromatic spices, filling your kitchen. Juicy meat, creamy garlic sauce, fresh veggies, and warm bread—this is the magic of Chicken Shawarma.
Chicken Shawarma originates from the lively streets of the Middle East. This dish is packed with bold spices and fresh ingredients. Its unique flavors and mouthwatering aroma have made it a global favorite, loved by food enthusiasts everywhere.
Each bite of Chicken Shawarma is wrapped in warm pita bread with crisp veggies and creamy tahini sauce. It blends savory and tangy flavors perfectly. The taste takes you to lively markets filled with rich spices.
On Nita’s Platter, we’ll show you an easy, home-cooked version of this classic street food. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. This recipe is designed for every food lover. Whether you like traditional flavors or want to add your favorite toppings, this dish has something for everyone.
If you love exploring street food, don’t miss out on other favorites like Chicken 65, a spicy and crispy delight, Chole Bhature, the iconic Indian comfort food, which pairs beautifully with shawarma or any bold dish. Each of these recipes brings its own magic to your table, just like this easy Chicken Shawarma!
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. With every tender bite, you’ll savor the essence of shawarma—right from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Let’s dive into the aromatic world of grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe! Here, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that make this dish easy to prepare. With a little effort, you can bring homemade shawarma to your dining table and share it with your loved ones.
So, get ready to master this Middle Eastern classic. Let Nita’s Platter inspire your culinary journey. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Key Takeaways
- About The Recipe
- Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Chicken Biryani
- Pro Tips
- Variations Of Chicken Shawarma Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Shawarma recipe is quick and easy. It takes just 25 minutes to prepare and cook. This time doesn’t include the marination, but once that’s done, the cooking part is fast and simple.
- Authentic Flavors: We have made this shawarma with a delicious marinade using common pantry ingredients like cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric. The perfect blend of spices gives it the same mouthwatering flavor as your favorite street food.
- Versatile Dish: You can enjoy Chicken Shawarma in soft wraps, with rice, salad, or on a platter with hummus, pita, and veggies. It’s perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or serving at parties to impress guests!
- Pro-Level Tips: Learn expert tips for making juicy, flavorful chicken. Marinate it with the perfect spice blend to enhance the taste. Grill it for a smoky flavor or pan-fry it for a quick, golden finish. Each method brings out the best in your chicken. For more helpful tips, check the Note section.
- Customizable Variations: You can try this recipe with beef, lamb, or tofu for a different twist, or serve it with sides like pita, hummus, and tabbouleh. All the important variations are listed below, so don’t forget to check them out!
Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Juicy & Flavorful
About The Recipe
Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Chicken Shawarma, right from your own kitchen!
Our Shawarma Recipe on Nita’s Platter combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Middle Eastern spices with a simple cooking process that's perfect for home cooks. If you're craving more homemade recipes, don’t forget to explore some More Culinary Inspiration.
Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, the chicken turns out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
The best part? You can cook it on a stovetop, oven, or grill, making it adaptable to whatever you have at home.
Serve it with soft pita bread, crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce for a complete shawarma experience.
Each bite of our Chicken Shawarma Wrap brings back cherished memories of family gatherings, and I hope it brings you the same joy.
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will soon become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Recipe
For the Chicken Marinade:
Ingredients for Red and White Sauce:
Veggies for Filling:
Wrapping
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Marinate the Chicken
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In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
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Slice each chicken breast into 1 or 2 thin layers, also adjust the thickness to your liking. Thinner slices cook faster and are more tender, while thicker slices give a heartier bite. Always cut against the grain for tenderness.
Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast into 1 or 2 thin layers. Chilling the chicken for 15-20 minutes makes it easier to slice. You can adjust the thickness based on your preference. Always cut against the grain for tender chicken and try to keep the slices even for uniform cooking. -
Add the chicken into the marinade and coat it well with all the spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
Grill the Chicken
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Heat a skillet over medium to high heat.
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Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
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Slice the grilled chicken into thin, even strips for easy layering and a perfect bite.
Prepare the White and Red Shawarma Sauce
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In a blender, blend yogurt, sesame seeds (tahini sauce), minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, oregano, and salt together. Your White Shawarma Sauce is ready. For the Red Sauce, mix mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce. Your Red Shawarma Sauce is ready. Keep both sauces aside.
Optional: If you don’t have Sriracha sauce, you can also use Red Chili Garlic Sauce instead.
Prepare the filling
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Chop a selection of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté the bell peppers and mushrooms in a pan for 2 minutes, just until they soften slightly while retaining their crunch.
Assemble the Shawarma
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Place a slice of whole wheat bread on a flat surface and evenly spread both the red and white sauces over it.
We prefer whole wheat bread, but you can choose other types of bread, like pita, according to your preference. -
Add a generous portion of sliced chicken, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, fresh mushrooms, sliced capsicum, and red onion. Finish by drizzling some sauce over the top of the stuffing for an extra burst of flavor.
Wrap and Serve
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Carefully roll the bread tightly around the filling, ensuring all the ingredients are tucked in securely. Press gently as you roll to keep everything in place, making sure the bread stays closed and the filling doesn’t spill out.
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Place each wrap on the heated tawa, ensuring it’s cooked evenly on both sides.
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Serve it instantly, wrap it tightly in foil to enjoy as a convenient on-the-go meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 528kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 3.6g18%
- Cholesterol 101mg34%
- Sodium 1185mg50%
- Potassium 629.7mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 46g16%
- Dietary Fiber 3.1g13%
- Sugars 3.4g
- Protein 45g90%
- Calcium 147 mg
- Iron 4.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Pro Tips
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Tip1: Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 8–12 hours. The longer the marination, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be, ensuring that authentic shawarma taste.
Tip 2. Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are juicier, cook evenly, and stay tender, even when grilled or roasted.
Tip 3. Balance the Spices: A perfect shawarma spice mix includes paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste but maintain the balance for a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Tip 4. Cook Over High Heat: While grilling, using high heat helps to caramelize the marinade and give the chicken that smoky, charred flavor similar to traditional shawarma cooked on a spit.
Tip 5. Thinly Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips to replicate the traditional shawarma style and ensure even distribution in wraps or platters.
Tip 6. Prepare Fresh Sauces: A creamy garlic tahini sauce (white sauce) and a spicy Sriracha mayo (red sauce) add an authentic and flavorful touch. Freshly made sauces elevate the overall taste of shawarma.
Tip 7. Add Crunchy Vegetables: Include fresh lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions for a refreshing crunch. We like lightly sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms because it gives a unique twist.
Tip 8. Wrap Tightly for Best Presentation: Use soft pita bread or whole wheat wraps. Spread sauces evenly, layer the chicken and vegetables neatly, and roll tightly to hold the filling in place.
Tip 9. Serve Fresh or Store Properly: Shawarma tastes best when served fresh. However, you can store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it for quick meal prep.
