Chicken Shawarma

This is the best and most authentic chicken shawarma recipe you’ll ever try, straight from the Middle East. It has that classic flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of spices to marinate the chicken. I’ll also teach you exactly how to make an authentic shawarma sandwich.

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food traditionally made with spiced meat that’s stacked on a vertical rotisserie and roasted. Thin slices are shaved off as it rotates and then enjoyed with rice or in a tasty sandwich made with warm pita bread, cucumber pickles, french fries, and, of course, Lebanese garlic sauce. 

This classic Middle Eastern sandwich is incredibly easy to make at home. With my step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make the authentic one that’ll beat any store-bought shawarma you’ve ever tried. 

Read on to learn how to make this chicken shawarma recipe at home!

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Easy to make: This chicken shawarma recipe is pretty straightforward. The marinade is a simple mix of spices, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and olive oil. Once your chicken is marinated, it is just a matter of cooking it up and assembling your sandwiches.
• Quick: Although the chicken needs time to marinate, the actual cooking process is quick. It only takes around three minutes per side to cook the chicken. Plus, assembling the sandwiches is a breeze.
• Family-favorite: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, crispy fries, tangy pickles, and creamy garlic sauce is irresistible.
• Versatile: This recipe is versatile. You can use either chicken breast or thighs based on your preference. Plus, you can add or subtract toppings as you like. Want to add some lettuce or tomatoes? Go for it!
• Authentic: If you’ve ever wanted to know what authentic shawarma tastes like, then this recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, and tastes like the real deal.

🍊 INGREDIENTS

More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!

• Skinless and Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: The main ingredient of this recipe, the chicken provides the protein. It is versatile and will soak up all the marination flavors.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is used to add a punch of flavor to the marinade. It is aromatic and gives a savory touch to the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken and gives a bright, tangy flavor.
• Plain Yogurt: Yogurt in the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken while also giving it a tangy flavor.
• Spices: We’ll be using spices and seasonings such as salt, paprika, cardamom powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and black pepper powder. These spices infuse the chicken with a warm, earthy flavor that’s characteristic of shawarma. They also add color to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used in the marinade, it helps to bind the spices and evenly coat the chicken. It also adds a subtle, fruity flavor.
• Neutral Cooking Oil: Used for frying the chicken, it adds a crispy texture without altering the flavor of the marinade.

For the Shawarma Sandwich

• French Fries: These add a delicious crunch to the shawarma sandwich for a pleasant textural contrast.
• Toum, Lebanese Garlic Sauce: This creamy, garlicky sauce adds a zesty flavor. It is a traditional accompaniment for shawarma and adds a smooth, creamy element to the sandwich.
• Cucumber Pickles: These provide a tangy crunch to the sandwich that compliments the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
• Medium Size Arabic Pita Bread: This soft, fluffy bread is used to wrap all the ingredients together. It is slightly chewy and has a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

🔪 HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Step 1  

In a bowl, add the garlic, spices, olive oil, and yogurt. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.

Step 2

Add the chicken to the mix and make sure that it is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. For best results, allow it to marinate for three hours or overnight if you can.

Step 3 

In a frying pan, add some cooking oil and heat it up. Make sure the pan gets hot before adding the chicken.

Step 4

Add the chicken to the hot pan, taking care not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken from both sides. If you’re using chicken breast slices like me, two minutes per side should do the trick.

Step 5  

After cooking, cut the chicken into strips. This will make it easier to assemble your shawarma sandwich.

Step 6 

Spread the toum sauce lengthwise in the middle of the pita bread.

Step 7

On top of the toum sauce, add the French fries, followed by the chicken shawarma strips, and finally the cucumber pickles.

Step 8 

Fold the pita bread tightly. You can cut the sandwich in half for easier handling and eating.

👩🏽‍🍳 PRO TIPS

• Opt for Overnight Marination: The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more flavor it will absorb. If possible, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if you’re short on time, a minimum of one hour will do.
• Use the Right Cut of Chicken: Skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. They are easy to cook, tender, and absorb the marinade well.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Give each piece enough space to cook evenly and achieve a nice sear.
• Grill the Pita Bread: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly brush the pita bread with oil and grill it for a few seconds on each side after assembling your sandwich. This small step can take your chicken shawarma to the next level.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in your chicken shawarma. Use fresh lemon juice, garlic, and spices for the marinade to guarantee the best flavor.
• Manage Your Heat: When frying the chicken, ensure the cooking oil is hot but not smoking. This will help you achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

📋 VARIATIONS

• Spicy: Spice lovers can add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapenos to the chicken marinade for a fiery kick. This will make your chicken shawarma tantalizingly hot and spicy.
• Beef: You can even change up the meat and make your shawarma using beef instead of chicken. Just make sure to cook it for longer since the cooking time will need to be adjusted according to the cut of meat you’re using. 
• Extra Fillings: Customize your sandwich however you like! You can easily add other veggies, condiments, or pickles to your shawarma.

🍽️ HOW TO SERVE

• For an easy lunch, serve your chicken shawarma with a side of fresh, crisp salad. The crunchiness of the veggies perfectly compliments the tender and flavorful chicken.
• For a cozy family dinner, serve the chicken shawarma with a side of steamed rice and grilled vegetables. The combination of flavors is sure to satisfy everyone’s palate.
• Chicken shawarma also makes a great picnic food. Simply pack them in foil and enjoy them outdoors with some fresh lemonade.
• For a healthier option, try serving your chicken shawarma with whole grain pita bread and a side of hummus. This combo is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️ STORING

Refrigerate: Leftover chicken shawarma can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.

Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken shawarma again, reheat it in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature for the best results. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

📣 MORE MIDDLE EASTERN RECIPES

⭐ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!