I love chicken shawarma, and it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. With its rich flavors and tender meat, shawarma can be a delicious addition to any meal. I will share eight fantastic chicken shawarma recipes that are easy to follow and sure to impress your friends and family.

These recipes showcase different styles and spices, allowing you to explore various taste combinations. Each recipe is designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable while delivering tasty results. Get ready to discover new favorites that you can make at home!

Table of Contents

1. Authentic Middle Eastern Style Chicken Shawarma

two pita wraps filled with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, and red onion sit on a gray plate. a creamy white sauce is drizzled over the chicken. the pita wraps are arranged loosely, and the ingredients are visible. the plate sits on a light surface, and the wraps appear to be flavorful

Authentic Middle Eastern style chicken shawarma is a flavorful dish made with marinated chicken, spices, and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare at home.

To make this dish, I start by marinating chicken thighs in ingredients like yogurt, garlic, cumin, and paprika. I let the chicken sit for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for flavor.

Next, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). I then place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and roast it for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and get a nice brown color.

Once done, I slice the chicken thinly. I like to serve it in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce.

Following these steps gives you a taste of authentic Middle Eastern flavors right in your kitchen.

2. Spicy Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe

two pita wraps filled with sliced chicken, lettuce, and tomato sit on a gray plate. a creamy white sauce is drizzled over the chicken. the pita wraps are arranged loosely, and the ingredients are visible. the plate sits on a light surface, and the wraps appear to be flavorful and well-made

Spicy garlic chicken shawarma is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a robust garlic spice blend. It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.

To prepare this recipe, I use simple ingredients. You will need chicken thighs, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and a mix of spices like cumin and paprika.

Here are the steps I follow:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, I mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. I add the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour.
Cook the Chicken: After marinating, I preheat my grill or oven to medium-high heat. I cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until it is fully cooked.

Slice and Serve: Once done, I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Enjoy: I like to serve it in pita with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

This recipe gives me a delicious and spicy chicken shawarma that I can easily make at home.

3. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Shawarma

a white plate holds grilled chicken strips, seasoned with herbs and grill marks, alongside a folded pita bread and a small salad. the plate sits on a wooden surface, and a lemon half is visible in the top right corner. the chicken appears to be juicy and flavorful

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Shawarma is a delicious dish that features marinated chicken cooked on a grill. The bright flavor of lemon mixed with fresh herbs creates a tasty meal.

Making this recipe is quite simple and requires only a few ingredients. I usually start by mixing together olive oil, fresh oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. This combination forms a flavorful marinade.

To make the chicken, I cut it into strips and let it soak in the marinade for at least one hour. This step helps the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Once the chicken is marinated, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat. I then thread the chicken onto skewers, which makes it easy to handle.

I cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. It is important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

After grilling, I like to serve it with warm pita bread and a fresh salad. The combination of lemon, herbs, and grilled chicken is both satisfying and healthy.

4. Yogurt Marinated Chicken Shawarma

a white plate holds a chicken salad with sliced chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a creamy dressing. the chicken is sliced and arranged alongside the vegetables, and the dressing is drizzled over the salad. another plate with salad is partially visible in the background. the image is well-lit

Yogurt marinated chicken shawarma is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy yogurt marinade. The yogurt helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a tangy taste.

I find this recipe easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The marinade can be prepared in just a few minutes.

To make yogurt marinated chicken shawarma, follow these steps:

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika.
Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.
Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

Serve: Slice the chicken thinly and serve in pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauce.

This dish is simple to prepare and offers a delicious taste that is sure to please anyone. Enjoy your homemade yogurt marinated chicken shawarma!

5. Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

two pita pockets filled with shredded chicken and a red sauce sit on a gray plate, accompanied by cucumber slices. the chicken is arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a rich color. the pita pockets are open, showcasing the filling. the plate sits on a light surface, and the wraps appear to be flavorful

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful dish that brings Middle Eastern spices to my kitchen. It allows me to enjoy tender, spiced chicken without much hassle.

Making this recipe is easy. I can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the work. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor.

To prepare, I start with these simple steps:

Ingredients: Gather boneless chicken thighs, garlic, cumin, paprika, and other spices.

Prep: Mix the spices with olive oil and coat the chicken well.
Cook: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve: Shred the chicken and serve in pita bread with toppings like cucumbers and hummus.

This dish is perfect for busy days when I want a healthy meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes sure the flavors blend beautifully.

6. Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce

a white plate holds two cooked chicken pieces, browned and drizzled with a creamy sauce, alongside a scoop of white rice and a small salad of chopped vegetables. a fork rests on the plate. another plate with chicken is blurred in the background. the chicken appears to be juicy and flavorful

Oven-baked chicken shawarma is a delicious and easy dish. Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from marinated meats. The chicken is seasoned with spices and then baked until tender.

I find this recipe quite simple. It allows me to create a flavorful meal without needing a grill. Instead, I use my oven to achieve that tasty roasted effect.

To make this dish, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, and spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric.

Coat chicken pieces in the mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, prepare tahini sauce by mixing tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water.

Once the chicken is done, serve it with the tahini sauce drizzled on top. You can pair it with rice, pita bread, or fresh vegetables. This meal is flavorful and satisfying, making it a favorite of mine.

7. Honey Lime Chicken Shawarma Bowls

a wooden bowl holds a chicken shawarma bowl, featuring sliced chicken pieces drizzled with a white sauce, white rice, cucumber slices, and tomato slices. the ingredients are arranged neatly, and the bowl sits on a light surface with a cloth. the chicken appears to be juicy and flavorful

Honey Lime Chicken Shawarma Bowls are a delightful twist on traditional shawarma. This dish features marinated chicken with a tangy and sweet sauce made from honey and lime. It’s flavorful and refreshing.

Making these bowls is easy and quick. I marinate the chicken for about an hour for the best taste. The marinating process enhances the chicken’s flavor and tenderness.

Here are the steps to prepare Honey Lime Chicken Shawarma Bowls:

Marinate the Chicken: Combine honey, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 1 hour.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes on each side.

Prepare the Bowls: Slice the chicken and layer it over cooked rice or quinoa.
Add Toppings: Top the bowls with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt or tahini sauce.

This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

8. Quick Skillet Chicken Shawarma

two pita pockets filled with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, tomato, and cucumber sit on a white plate. an orange sauce is drizzled over the chicken. the pita pockets are arranged loosely, and the ingredients are visible. a folded cloth is visible in the bottom right corner. the wraps appear to be flavorful

Quick Skillet Chicken Shawarma is a fast and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful dish. Shawarma typically features marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit, but this skillet version is simple and quick.

I find this recipe easy to make, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for busy nights.

Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breast into thin strips.

In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Toss the chicken with the spice mixture until well coated.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken.

Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.

Serve the chicken in pita bread or over rice, topped with veggies and your favorite sauce. This quick recipe brings a taste of shawarma into my kitchen without the long wait.

What Is the History of Chicken Shawarma?

Understanding the history of chicken shawarma reveals its deep roots and the culinary influences that shaped it. I will explore its origins and cultural significance, as well as how it has evolved across various regions.

What Are the Origins and Cultural Significance of Chicken Shawarma?

I trace the origins of shawarma back to the Middle East, particularly in the Ottoman Empire. The word “shawarma” likely derives from the Turkish term “çevirme,” meaning “to turn.” This refers to the rotisserie cooking method used.

Shawarma is not just a dish; it represents a significant part of Middle Eastern identity. It has become popular worldwide, often enjoyed as street food. The combination of marinated meat, spices, and fresh vegetables wrapped in pita showcases the region’s flavors and culinary techniques.

How Has Shawarma Evolved in Different Regions?

Over time, shawarma has adapted to various cultures and tastes. In countries like Lebanon and Egypt, I notice unique variations. For example, Lebanese shawarma may include more garlic and spices, while Egyptian versions might feature different sauces.

In Western countries, shawarma has undergone a transformation. It often appears as a filling for sandwiches or as a plate with rice and sides. The appeal of chicken shawarma continues to grow, blending tradition with local flavors and ingredients. This evolution ensures shawarma remains relevant and loved around the globe.

8 Best Chicken Shawarma Recipes for Flavorful Meals at Home