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Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Homemade Chicken Shawarma

Juicy, warm spiced chicken thighs roasted with onions, sliced thin, and served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables  a homemade take on classic Middle Eastern street food, no rotisserie required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinate Time 2 hours
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: bruch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Yogurt Sauce:
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
For Serving:
  • Warmed pitas
  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and all spices in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss sliced onion into the marinade, then spread chicken and onions on the sheet.
  3. Roast 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.
  4. Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for the sauce. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
  5. Warm pitas. Fill with sliced chicken, roasted onions, romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinate overnight for the deepest flavor if time allows.
  • Slice the chicken thin and against the grain for the most tender texture.
  • Chicken breasts can substitute for thighs but require closer attention to avoid drying out.

Storage

  • Chicken: Fridge, airtight container, up to 4 days. Freezer, up to 2–3 months.
  • Yogurt sauce: Fridge, separately, up to 4 days.
  • Veggies & pita: Best prepped fresh before serving.
  • Reheat: Skillet over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts, covered.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

Calories: 542 kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 32.8g | Saturated Fat: 6.2g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 156mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 4.3g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.