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
Key Takeaways
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!
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
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.
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).
Heat a skillet over medium to high heat.
Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin, even strips for easy layering and a perfect bite.
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.
Chop a selection of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the bell peppers and mushrooms in a pan for 2 minutes, just until they soften slightly while retaining their crunch.
Place a slice of whole wheat bread on a flat surface and evenly spread both the red and white sauces over it.
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.
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.
Place each wrap on the heated tawa, ensuring it’s cooked evenly on both sides.
Serve it instantly, wrap it tightly in foil to enjoy as a convenient on-the-go meal.
Servings 4
* 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 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.
Variations of Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
1. Spicy Chicken Shawarma
Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick. Pair it with a spicy Sriracha or harissa sauce to amplify the heat. In my family we love Sriracha sauce.
2. Greek-Style Shawarma
Replace the traditional spices with Greek-inspired seasonings like oregano, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add toppings such as feta cheese, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean vibe.
3. Vegan Shawarma-Inspired Wrap
For a plant-based option, swap chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit seasoned with the classic shawarma spices. Additionally, use vegan sauces like tahini garlic and Sriracha mayo.
4. Low-Carb Shawarma Lettuce Wraps
For a healthy virsion, skip the bread and use large lettuce leaves (like romaine or iceberg) as wraps. Fill them with chicken, veggies, and sauces for a light and healthy meal. This is one of our favourites too.
5. BBQ Chicken Shawarma
Add a smoky BBQ flavor to your shawarma by mixing BBQ sauce into the marinade. Grill the chicken, then serve it with roasted veggies and creamy coleslaw for a delicious fusion-style shawarma.
6. Shawarma Bowl
For the Shawarma bowl, skip the wrap and serve your chicken shawarma in a bowl instead. Start with a base of rice or quinoa, then add some fresh veggies, hummus, and pickled onions for a healthy and gluten-free meal.
7. Cheesy Chicken Shawarma
Before rolling your shawarma, add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside the wrap. Toast the wrap in a skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts, giving you a deliciously gooey, cheesy shawarma.
Thank You for Printing Our Recipe!
We truly appreciate you printing out our recipe! It means so much to us that you’re bringing our dish into your kitchen. We hope you enjoy cooking and savoring every bite. Happy cooking, and thanks for your support!
Best,
Nita Anand
