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Middle Eastern Dinner Featured

Homemade Chicken Shawarma

A foolproof recipe for homemade chicken shawarma featuring fragrant spices, tender chicken thighs, and vibrant toppings.

Level Medium Prep 20 min Cook 15 min Servings 4 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

35 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 20m

Cook 15m

Level Medium

About this recipe

A foolproof recipe for homemade chicken shawarma featuring fragrant spices, tender chicken thighs, and vibrant toppings.

Tender chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices and pan-seared to juicy perfection.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken strips to the bowl, tossing well to ensure every piece is coated in the marinade.
Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
30 min
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
10 min
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes without disturbing too much to get a nice char, then stir and cook until fully done.
8 min
Assemble the shawarma by placing cooked chicken into warm pita bread, adding garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Nutrition

Calories 450

Protein 35g

Carbs 32g

Fat 18g

Fiber 3g

Sugar 4g

Sodium 680mg

Serving Size 1 wrap

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Total 35 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Taste 9.8
Presentation 9.2
Nutrition 8.5
Value 9.5
Instructions 9.5
Ingredients 9.5
Time Accuracy 9.0
Difficulty 9.0
Would Make Again 9.5

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An incredible homemade chicken shawarma recipe that packs authentic Middle Eastern flavors with zero fuss.

Pros

Incredible spice blend
Juicy and tender
Quick cooking time

Cons

Requires marinating time for best flavor

Overview

Tender chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices and pan-seared to juicy perfection.

AI Insights

Summary

A foolproof recipe for homemade chicken shawarma featuring fragrant spices, tender chicken thighs, and vibrant toppings.

Tips

Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even browning
Use homemade garlic sauce (toum) if you want an authentic Lebanese flavor
Broil the assembled wraps for 2 minutes for a crispy outer crust

Substitutions

Chicken thighs → Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Pita bread → Lavash or tortilla wraps

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pairing

Classic French fries or potato wedges
Tabbouleh or fattoush salad

AI Cooking Assistant

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FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay much juicier and more authentic to traditional shawarma.

How can I get a smoky flavor without a rotisserie?

Using a cast-iron skillet on high heat creates a wonderful caramelized char on the edges.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Middle Eastern cuisine

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Compare & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Authentic Arabian Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Toum (9.7/10). A quicker option is Classic American Smash Burger with Secret Sauce.