Homemade Chicken Shawarma: A Taste of the Middle East at Your Table

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 4-6 pita breads
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pickles, sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well to form a marinade.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
  3. When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
  4. Cook the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have a nice char on them. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
  5. While the chicken is resting, prepare the sauce by mixing together the Greek yogurt and tahini in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a toaster until they are soft and pliable.
  7. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
  8. To assemble the shawarmas, spread a generous amount of the tahini-yogurt sauce on each pita bread. Then, add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and pickles.
  9. Add the sliced chicken on top of the vegetables, then fold the pita bread over the fillings to form a sandwich. If desired, you can wrap the bottom half of the shawarma in aluminum foil to make it easier to handle and eat.
  10. Repeat with the remaining pita breads and fillings. Serve the shawarmas immediately while they are still warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs
  • Marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices overnight for a tangier flavor
  • Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky twist
  • Replace the pita bread with naan bread or flatbread
  • Try using lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option
  • Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the grill for a flavorful vegetable addition
  • Swap out the tahini-yogurt sauce for a garlic sauce or tzatziki sauce
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu
  • Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of chili flakes for some extra heat
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or cilantro for added freshness

Recipe overview

This Chicken Shawarma recipe will take you on a culinary journey through the Middle East, featuring juicy marinated chicken, a tangy tahini-yogurt sauce, and a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all wrapped in a warm, soft pita bread. Shawarma is a popular street food in many parts of the world due to its deliciousness and versatility. The marinade for the chicken is packed with an array of spices that give it a distinctive flavor. The tahini-yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the chicken perfectly. And the fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the other components. Plus, it's easy to customize according to your personal preferences. This recipe also includes a homemade shawarma marinade and a simple tahini-yogurt sauce recipe. Enjoy a taste of the Middle East in the comfort of your home with this Chicken Shawarma recipe.

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken? - It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
  2. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? - Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
  3. Can I grill the chicken indoors? - Yes, if you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop to cook the chicken.
  4. What can I substitute for tahini? - If you don't have tahini, you can substitute it with peanut butter or almond butter for a similar nutty flavor.
  5. Can I make the sauce in advance? - Yes, you can make the tahini-yogurt sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  6. Can I use a different type of bread? - While pita bread is traditional for shawarma, you can use other flatbreads such as naan or lavash if desired.
  7. Can I add other vegetables or toppings? - Absolutely! Feel free to customize your shawarma with additional vegetables or toppings like avocado, olives, or hot sauce.
  8. Can I freeze the cooked chicken shawarma? - It is not recommended to freeze the assembled shawarmas, as the texture and taste may be affected. However, you can freeze the leftover cooked chicken separately and use it for future recipes.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Chicken Shawarma, that velvety indulgence of the palate, hails from the culturally rich and vibrant Middle East. It was in the Ottoman Empire, where it first took flight, as Döner Kebab, a succulent dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat. With the spreading wings of the empire, this culinary marvel was lovingly embraced by different cultures, each adding their unique touch to the recipe. The word "Shawarma" itself comes from the Turkish word "çevirme", which beautifully translates to "turning", a nod to the traditional cooking method where marinated meats are stacked and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. As the spit turns, the outer layer of the meat crisps to perfection, ready to be thinly sliced and served. Today, Shawarma stands as a symbol of the culinary crossroads that the Middle East represents, a dish that transcends borders and brings people together, one flavorful bite at a time.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.