Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Craving a taste of the Middle East right in your own kitchen? Look no further than this recipe for Effortless Chicken Shawarma! Inspired by the flavors of a tiny spot in Brooklyn, this dish promises juicy chicken, bold spices, and garlicky yogurt that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in many households, bringing people together and creating unforgettable moments around the dinner table.

Imagine the warm and inviting aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this easy yet flavorful dish. With a perfect blend of spices like cumin, cardamom, and smoked paprika, every bite is a burst of Middle Eastern goodness. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family, this Effortless Chicken Shawarma is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your loved ones, set up a wrap station, and let everyone customize their shawarma just the way they like it. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that brings joy and togetherness to your table.

Quick Benefits

Delicious and Flavorful: Bold Middle Eastern seasoning and tender grilled meat create a burst of flavors that make every bite delicious and memorable.
Versatile and Customizable: Shawarma night allows everyone to get creative with their wraps, toppings, and fillings, making it a fun and interactive meal for families and friends.
Convenient and Make-Ahead: Marinate and freeze big batches for easy meal planning, making it perfect for busy weeks or impromptu gatherings.
Juicy and Tender: Chicken thighs stay juicy and pick up a tasty crust from the grill, ensuring a satisfying and mouthwatering dish every time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: This recipe delivers juicy chicken with a punch of bold Middle Eastern spices that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Easy and Versatile: Effortlessly create a delicious meal that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: From picky teenagers to adventurous eaters, everyone will be asking for seconds and coming back for more.
Interactive Dining Experience: Set up a wrap station and let everyone customize their shawarma wraps with their favorite toppings, making dinner feel like a mini party.
Creative Options: Experiment with different sides and toppings to make each shawarma night unique and exciting.
Convenient and Time-Saving: Perfect for meal prep, freeze marinated chicken for busy weeks or large gatherings, ensuring a special and flavorful meal every time.
Memorable Moments: Create lasting memories with delicious food, laughter, and loved ones, making shawarma night a cherished tradition in your home.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

A tablespoon of ground cumin.
A teaspoon of cumin for the yogurt.
1 big garlic clove, finely chopped.
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
Slices of tomatoes for toppings.
2 pounds of chicken thighs, filleted.
Some black pepper to taste.
Add some fresh lemon juice for the yogurt mix.
3 tablespoons of olive oil.
A tablespoon of coriander powder.
Lettuce leaves to serve.
One tablespoon of cardamom powder.
A teaspoon of cayenne spice.
Add 2 teaspoons of salt.
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika.
Use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
1 garlic clove for the yogurt mix.
Thinly sliced red onions for garnish.
Soft flatbreads to go with it.

Pro Tips for Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

To elevate your Chicken Shawarma, consider setting up a wrap station for a fun and interactive dinner experience. Keep your flatbreads warm, prepare an array of fresh toppings and sauces, allowing everyone to customize their wraps to their liking. This not only makes mealtime more enjoyable but also adds a playful element to the gathering, making it feel like a mini party.

For the best flavor and juiciness, dry your chicken before marinating to help the flavors adhere better. Preparing the sauce ahead of time and letting it sit for a few hours will allow the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a brighter and more robust taste. While grilling the chicken adds char and depth, baking it in the oven at 425°F is a convenient alternative that still yields delicious results. Remember, chicken thighs work best for this recipe, but you can swap in chicken breasts if preferred—just slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Marinate

Place the chicken in a ziplock bag with the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Make Sauce

Combine all the yogurt sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook

Preheat a grill or skillet. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until charred.

Step 4: Rest

After cooking, cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the chicken, flatbreads, veggies, and yogurt sauce for individuals to assemble their own wraps.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Chicken Shawarma, store any leftovers promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors will actually deepen, making it even more delicious over time. When reheating, warm the shawarma gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or marinade to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Shawarma. Place the shawarma in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy the frozen shawarma, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Freezing is a great option for meal prepping or for saving leftovers for a later date, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make this chicken shawarma recipe with a lighter option, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs. To ensure the chicken breasts stay juicy and flavorful, slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Increase the heat slightly to achieve a tasty crust, similar to that of chicken thighs.

If you’re short on time and looking to speed up the marinating process, you can marinate the chicken for at least three hours. However, for enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight or throughout the day for the best results. For added convenience, you can even marinate the chicken with the spices and freeze it for future use, allowing for a quick and flavorful meal prep option when you’re busy.

Feel free to customize the yogurt sauce by incorporating different herbs or spices based on personal preferences. Experiment with adding herbs like mint or cilantro, or spices such as sumac or turmeric for unique flavor profiles. Adjust the tanginess by varying the amount of lemon juice, or opt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive dinner party, set up a DIY chicken shawarma wrap station. Keep your flatbreads warm, and lay out bowls of fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions alongside flavorful extras like hummus and salty cheese. Let guests customize their wraps with their favorite fillings, making it a laid-back and playful meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to keep the garlicky yogurt sauce front and center—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

Take your chicken shawarma to the next level by getting creative with your toppings and sides. Roasted cauliflower, cucumber and mint, or even pomegranate seeds can add a unique twist to your meal. Keep a jar of shawarma spice mix on hand for easy seasoning of other proteins like shrimp or fish. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner at home or a larger gathering, this flavorful dish is sure to be a hit and create lasting memories with friends and family.

FAQs for Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just slice them thinner and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The thighs tend to stay juicier and pick up a tasty crust from the grill, but breasts work well too.

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinating the chicken for at least three hours is fine, but for even better flavor, marinate it all day or overnight. You can even prepare the chicken with the marinade and freeze it for future use.

Why is it important to let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking?

Letting the chicken rest for five minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the slices remain juicy and flavorful. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming dry.

Can I bake the chicken in the oven instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F for about 25 minutes. While grilling adds more char and flavor, baking it is a good alternative. To keep it moist, warm up any leftovers in the microwave with the pan juices for a quick and tasty meal.

Conclusion

Effortless Chicken Shawarma is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of good food and good company. From casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings, this dish has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories. The warm and inviting aroma of Middle Eastern spices fills the air, signaling that it’s time to gather around the table and enjoy the flavors of juicy chicken, bold spices, and garlicky yogurt.

Whether you’re hosting a wrap station for friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in with family, the versatility and ease of making Effortless Chicken Shawarma make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Embrace the creativity this dish offers, experiment with different toppings and sides, and make it your own. And remember, the secret ingredient to this magical dish is the love and laughter shared around the table. So, whip up a batch of Chicken Shawarma, invite your loved ones over, and savor the joy of good food and great company. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more shawarma nights to come!

Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Effortless Chicken Shawarma: Bold Middle Eastern spices, juicy grilled chicken, and garlicky yogurt come together for a flavor-packed meal that’s a hit with everyone.

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Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineMiddle Eastern

Skill LevelEasy

Servings5 Servings (5 servings)

Ingredients

A tablespoon of ground cumin.
A teaspoon of cumin for the yogurt.
1 big garlic clove, finely chopped.
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
Slices of tomatoes for toppings.
2 pounds of chicken thighs, filleted.
Some black pepper to taste.
Add some fresh lemon juice for the yogurt mix.
3 tablespoons of olive oil.
A tablespoon of coriander powder.
Lettuce leaves to serve.
One tablespoon of cardamom powder.
A teaspoon of cayenne spice.
Add 2 teaspoons of salt.
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika.
Use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
1 garlic clove for the yogurt mix.
Thinly sliced red onions for garnish.
Soft flatbreads to go with it.

Instructions

Marinate: Place the chicken in a ziplock bag with the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
Make Sauce: Combine all the yogurt sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook: Preheat a grill or skillet. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until charred.
Rest: After cooking, cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve: Arrange the chicken, flatbreads, veggies, and yogurt sauce for individuals to assemble their own wraps.