Chicken Shawarma: Juicy, Spiced, and Better Than Takeout

Few dishes are as instantly recognizable—and universally loved—as Chicken Shawarma. Known for its bold spices, tender meat, and irresistible aroma, shawarma is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern street food. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, chicken shawarma can be recreated at home with stunning results using a simple pan or oven, without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

This recipe delivers juicy, deeply spiced chicken with beautifully caramelized edges, all thanks to a yogurt-based marinade infused with warm spices. Whether served in flatbread, over rice, or alongside fresh salads, chicken shawarma is endlessly versatile and always satisfying.

What makes this dish truly special is how approachable it is. With a short ingredient list and straightforward method, you can bring restaurant-quality shawarma to your kitchen—no special equipment required.

Why This Chicken Shawarma Recipe Works

This version is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss:

• Yogurt marinade tenderizes and locks in moisture
• Balanced spice blend delivers depth without overpowering
• Flexible cooking methods – pan, oven, or grill
• Meal-prep friendly – great for leftovers
• Authentic flavor at home – no rotisserie needed

Each bite is juicy, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

What Is Chicken Shawarma?

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made by stacking marinated meat on a vertical spit and slowly roasting it. As it cooks, thin slices are shaved off and served in wraps or plates. While the traditional method is iconic, the flavors come primarily from the marinade—meaning you can replicate the experience at home with excellent results.

Chicken shawarma typically features warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, balanced with garlic, lemon, and yogurt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (Optional)

• Warm pita or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
• Red onion slices
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic yogurt sauce or tahini sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and all spices until smooth and well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper caramelization.

Alternative Oven Method:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, then broil for 3–5 minutes to char the edges.

4. Rest and Slice

Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain for classic shawarma texture.

5. Serve

Serve hot in flatbread, over rice, or as part of a platter with fresh vegetables and sauce.

Chicken Shawarma

Juicy Middle Eastern–style chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked until golden and sliced thin.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb boneless chicken thighs skinless
• 0.75 cup plain yogurt
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1.5 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Large skillet or grill pan

Method

 

1. Mix yogurt, oil, garlic, lemon, and spices.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours.
3. Cook chicken in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through.
4. Rest briefly, then slice thinly.
5. Serve hot with desired accompaniments.

Notes

Overnight marination gives the best flavor.

Tips for the Best Shawarma at Home

• Use chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor
• Marinate overnight if possible
• Cook in batches for better browning
• Let the chicken rest before slicing

These small steps make a big difference in texture and taste.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Shawarma: Add cayenne or chili paste
• Lemon-Forward: Increase lemon juice slightly
• Garlic Lover’s: Add extra garlic to the marinade
• Herb Finish: Toss with fresh parsley or mint before serving

What to Serve With Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic yogurt or tahini sauce
• Rice pilaf or seasoned rice
• Hummus or baba ghanoush
• Simple cucumber-tomato salad
• Pickled vegetables

It’s perfect for wraps, bowls, or family-style platters.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven
• Great for meal prep wraps and bowls

The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.

Why Chicken Shawarma Never Gets Old

Chicken shawarma hits every note: savory, spiced, juicy, and comforting. It’s food that brings people together, whether eaten on the street or around the dinner table. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a go-to for easy dinners and impressive meals alike.