Chicken Shawarma - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This Middle Eastern chicken shawarma is packed full of flavorful chicken that is seasoned with a delightful array of spices. It makes a great lunch or dinner that everyone will go crazy for!

I love a good chicken dish, and this shawarma is no exception! Try out some other chicken dishes like this garlic mushroom chicken, this delicious baked honey sesame chicken, and one of my all-time favorites; this marry me chicken!

Chicken Shawarma - The Recipe Critic (1)

What is Chicken Shawarma?

If you have never had (or heard of) chicken shawarma before, then you are in for a delicious meal! I season this chicken with my delicious shawarma seasoning. The seasoning mixture is filled with garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and a few others that make a delicious flavoring blend. You can use the spice as a rub or a marinade on vegetables or any kind of protein. My favorite way to use it is on chicken!

I blend the seasoning up with lemon juice and oil to make a marinade. I soak my chicken for at least an hour (if you have the time, then soaking it overnight really infuses the flavor into your meat!). Then, I grill the chicken (making this the perfect recipe to kick off summer grilling season!), and I put it in a pita along with some other vegetables. The combination of the cooked chicken mixed in with fresh, crunchy vegetables is heavenly! Make this for lunch or dinner! But whatever you choose, double this recipe so that you can enjoy the leftovers all week long!

Ingredients in this Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Once you have all of the ingredients to make this chicken shawarma, then you will come back to this recipe again and again! Making your own spices at home gives you total control of the flavors, and this recipe is definitely one that you don’t want to miss. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best to use becuase they are so juicy and tender. You can also use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand!
  • Cumin:This is a rich and heatry spice with a subtle hint of citrus flavoring.
  • Paprika:You can use smoked paprika or regular paprika in this recipe.
  • Ground Coriander:Did you know that coriander seeds are what cilantro comes from? The leaves and stem of coriander are called cilantro!
  • Tumeric:Tumeric is a classic flavor in chicken shawarma.
  • Dried Oregano:This deep and earthy flavor adds a delicious touch to the overall taste.
  • Cardamom: The flavor of cardamom is minty with a hint of pepper.
  • Cinnamon:This sweet flabor brings a delicious contrast to the seasoning.
  • Salt and Black Pepper:These will wnhance all of the other flavors in the mix.
  • Olive Oil: This is the base that you make the marinade out of.
  • Lemon Juice: This adds a bright flavor to the seasoning.
  • Garlic: You can use garlic cloves or minced garlic from your fridge! I used garlic powder when I prepared my seasoning ahead of time.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

This recipe is so simple and easy, and yet it’s infused with intense and delicious flavor. You can even make this super easy on yourself and add this to a rotisserie chicken and top a salad with this flavored chicken!

  1. Add chicken to bag: Place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag and set aside.
  2. Prepare the seasoning: To prepare the shawarma seasoning, add the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, and salt and pepper to a large bowl. Then, stir to combine.
  3. Make the marinade and marinate chicken: To make the marinade, add the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to a bowl. Whisk in the seasoning mixture. Pour over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag and then marinate it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or as long as overnight.
  4. Cook: Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and the meat is fully cooked. Slice into thin slices of meat if you plan on putting it in some pita bread or a salad.
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How to Serve This

This chicken shawarma is so versatile and can be used in so many different meals! Here are some more ideas on how to use this chicken!

  • On a salad: I am always looking for flavorful and delicious protein to serve up on a bed of greens and this chicken is perfect for that. It has a lot of flavor on it’s own so you can keep it simple with just some baby spinach or mixed greens along with maybe some carrots and cucumbers. Mix it all up and then you have yourself a salad that will actually fill you up!
  • Main course: If you want to grill up this chicken shawarma as your main course then you can do that too! Serve it alongside a salad, some flat bread and maybe even add in some rice!
  • In a sandwich: I love adding this chicken to some pita bread and then topping it with some veggies. Some that I like to use are red onions, lettuce and tomatoes. Make it your own, it really goes with just about everything!
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How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, then you can store them in an airtight container in your fridge. They will last about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat it you can heat it up in the microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Chicken Shawarma - The Recipe Critic (4)

Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Shawarma

Serve this chicken schawarma up to any guest and they will be asking you for the recipe before they leave! Make this a meal with some appetizers and sides and it will be a hearty meal that you will go to for years to come!

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Brown Rice

27 mins

American

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

16 mins

Side Dishes

The BEST Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes

25 mins

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Chicken Shawarma

5 from 9 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This Middle Eastern chicken shawarma is packed full of flavorful chicken that is seasoned with a delightful array of spices. It makes a great lunch or dinner that everyone will go crazy for!

Prep Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 22 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag and set aside.

  • To prepare the shawarma seasoning, add the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, and salt and pepper to a small bowl. Stir to combine.

  • To make the marinade, add the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to a bowl. Whisk in the seasoning mixture. Pour over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or as long as overnight.

  • Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and the meat is fully cooked.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 393mgPotassium: 324mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 284IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Middle East

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Chicken Shawarma - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes shawarma taste like shawarma? ›

The distinctive flavor of shawarma spice comes from its main ingredients, including ground cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Other additions include cinnamon, cloves, allspice and dried mint. In some recipes, you'll also find nutmeg and cardamom.

Is a chicken shawarma healthy? ›

Overall, shawarma can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a balanced diet due to its array of nutritional highlights. Packed with lean protein, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of antioxidants, this Middle Eastern gem that is celebrated in Nigeria not only satisfies taste buds but also nourishes the body.

What is shawarma seasoning made of? ›

A Middle Eastern staple, shawarma seasoning is made with a unique combination of spices including cumin, turmeric, and paprika. It's bold, bright, and unbelievably delicious. If you've never had it, you're in for a serious treat! All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl, and they're good to go.

What is so special about shawarma? ›

Actually, shawarma is a middle eastern cuisine. Why is shawarma the best food? Flavorful Seasonings: Shawarma is typically made with a combination of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garlic, which create a rich and complex flavor profile.

What is the secret of shawarma? ›

The answer lies in the garnish. Shawarma is all about the delicious sauces that accompany the meat – typically garlic yoghurt or tahini and hommus – and the secret ingredient: pickles. Pickled vegetables are what take shawarma to a whole new plane: pickled cucumbers, turnips, and even carrots or mangoes are common.

What is shawarma called in the USA? ›

When people in America hear the term shawarma, they think of gyro, and while gyro is prepared the same way as shawarma, it is not created using the same kind of meats. Gyro is made with ground meat, lamb, beef, or goat.

Which country is famous for shawarma? ›

shawarma, popular street food in the Middle East, which originated in Turkey and is made of spit-roasted layers of lamb, beef, or other meat that are sliced and often wrapped in or served with pita.

What does shawarma do to the body? ›

Shawarma contains fiber, as a result, it helps keep the digestive system functioning. In fact, it helps prevent bloating, constipation and assist in weight management. Above all, consuming shawarma helps you meet your complex carbohydrate requirements.

Is chicken shawarma healthier than kebabs? ›

Kebabs have fewer calories than shawarmas, so it's considered healthier. While these dishes are highly fatty and calorie-dense, they're still a better alternative than other street food, which are usually deep-fried. We recommend choosing chicken over beef if you want a low-calorie meat option.

What is the white thing in shawarma? ›

The white sauce served with chicken shawarma is toum basically garlic sauce and beef shawarma is served with thin Tahini sauce it is a sesame seed paste. What is the "white sauce" on NYC falafel or shawarma? It's either Lebanese garlic spread or tahini sauce.

What is authentic shawarma made of? ›

Shawarma was traditionally made with lamb, mutton and chicken though these days you see it with beef too. It's commonly served in the form of a wrap, though in some countries you see it served on plates with sides such as seasoned rice or fries, and salads. In this recipe, I'm giving you both options!

What is shawarma marinade made of? ›

Ingredients To Make Chicken shawarma

Oil: For marinating. I prefer to use olive oil, but a neutral oil like avocado or canola will work too. Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. Seasonings: Garlic, salt, cardamom, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper, cinnamon.

Is chicken shawarma a junk food? ›

Shawarma might be an easy snack or dinner to grab on the go, but it is far from a healthy one. The marinated strips that are shaved off from the rotating cone of meat already have fat running through them, and more likely than not, they will have been doused with yet more during the cooking process.

What are three cool facts about shawarma? ›

Fascinating Facts About Shawarma
  • It Shares Its Origins With The Doner Kebab. Shawarma is an Arabic version of the Turkish word for turning (çevirme), and this is a clue as to the origins of Shawarma to Lebanon. ...
  • Pork Shawarma Only Exists In Mexico. ...
  • Shawarma Brings Many People Together.
Mar 4, 2022

What ethnicity eats shawarma? ›

Shawarma is a Levantine dish with a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in Turkey and Lebanon.

Why do shawarmas taste so good? ›

People love shawarma because of how meaty it is while still being a healthy food to eat. The way the meat is grilled indeed added to that undeniably great taste. Moreover, it contains various vegetables and sauces and can be eaten in multiple ways. That gives people its authentic taste and unique experience.

Why does shawarma taste like cinnamon? ›

The marinade often includes a mix of yogurt, garlic, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cumin, paprika, and turmeric, which lends the dish its distinct flavor profile. The power of spices and marination plays a crucial role in transforming these simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

What is full Flavour shawarma? ›

Full-Flavour Shawarma Wrap

Thinly-sliced chicken and fries wrapped in a warm pita that is lightly brushed with the savory essence that drips from the meat as it cooks, then toasted to perfection on our specialty grill (Chicken, Fries, Pickles, and Signature Garlic Sauce)

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