Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern classic with juicy, spice-marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread with tangy pickles and creamy garlic sauce. Easy to make and full of vibrant street food vibes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours (including marinating)
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling / Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Marinade:
2.5 lbs chicken thighs, cleaned
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons 7 spice
1 tablespoon turmeric
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or laban)
Sandwich:
1 package pita bread or Lebanese bread
Lebanese pickles or pickled turnips
Garlic sauce (or sauce of your choice)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine garlic, 7 spice, turmeric, cumin, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita or Lebanese bread. Spread garlic sauce over bread, add sliced chicken, and top with pickles or pickled turnips.
- Roll or fold sandwich and serve immediately with extra garlic sauce or salad.
Notes
Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
Add fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce.
Swap garlic sauce for tahini or spicy harissa.
Serve with rice or salad instead of bread for low-carb.
Make a shawarma bowl served over grains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/chicken-shawarma/
