Chicken Shawarma at Home

Q: Is this shawarma recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This shawarma recipe *can* be a relatively healthy option, depending on how you build it. Chicken thighs provide protein, and the veggies add vitamins and fibre. However, be mindful of the sauces – hummus and tahini can be high in fat, so use them in moderation. You can lighten it up by using whole wheat pitas, loading up on veggies, and using low-fat versions of the sauces. It’s all about balance, like having a cheeky biscuit with your tea!

My Go-To Chicken shawarma recipe: Kebab Shop Flavour!

By Amara Vitalis May 28, 2025

4.49 (45 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Alright, let's dive into the delicious world of shawarma! ever find yourself craving that late night kebab shop flavour but wanting something you can whip up at home? this shawarma recipe is your answer! get ready for a flavour explosion that’s surprisingly easy to achieve in your own kitchen.

Shawarma at Home: Your Guide to Perfect Chicken Shawarma

This recipe is all about bringing that authentic middle eastern food vibe to your dinner table. think juicy, flavourful chicken, warm pita bread, and all your favourite toppings.

The chicken shawarma recipe hails from the middle east, a street food staple enjoyed across the globe. it's mediterranean food at its finest! it's rated at medium difficulty, perfect for a weekend project or a satisfying dinner this week .

This recipe yields four generous servings, making it ideal for a family meal or a gathering with friends.

One of the best things about this chicken shawarma (besides the amazing taste, obviously!) is that it’s packed with protein.

Chicken thighs are also naturally high in iron! this recipe is also a great option if you are following mediterranean diet recipes.

Honestly, the vibrant spices and lean protein make it a winner! consider it your next " winner winner chicken dinner ".

And believe me, this shawarma recipe is special because it allows you to customize it to your exact taste preferences.

Want extra spice? go for it! more veggies? pile 'em on!

Time to Gather Your Shawarma Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up this culinary masterpiece...

Ingredients & Equipment: Shawarma Time!

Alright, so you're thinking chicken shawarma recipe , huh? let's break down what you'll need to make some seriously good shawarma at home.

Forget dodgy takeaways! this chicken shawarma is going to be a winner winner chicken dinner . it will definitely feel like good middle eastern food .

Think fresh, tasty, and way better than anything you'd get from a van at 2 am.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Okay, so for the actual shawarma recipe ingredients, here's what you'll need. Getting good ingredients is KEY. Honestly, better chicken means better shawarma. You know?

Chicken: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Get the thighs; they're juicier! Make sure they are nice and pink and don't smell funky. That's how you know they are good.
Olive Oil: 60 ml (1/4 cup) . Go for good quality extra virgin. It does make a difference.
Lemon Juice: 60 ml (1/4 cup) . Freshly squeezed is always best. Bottled stuff just doesn't have the same zing.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred garlic is okay in a pinch but fresh is always better.
Paprika: 1 tbsp . Use smoked if you wanna be extra fancy.
Cumin: 1 tbsp , ground. Adds that earthy warmth.
Coriander: 1 tbsp , ground. Bright and citrusy note.
Turmeric: 1 tsp , ground. Adds colour and a hint of bitterness.
Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick.
Salt: 1 tsp . Season to taste, you know?
Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp . Freshly ground is always the way to go.

And for serving... We will need 4 pita bread rounds, hummus, tahini sauce, finely chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled turnips or gherkins and hot sauce if you are brave.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

This is where the magic happens! It will make your Shawarma Recipe sing. Don't skimp on these flavours.

Essential Spice Combos: The paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric are your base. That’s the core shawarma flavour.
Flavour Enhancers: A little cayenne will add a subtle heat. Not too much! We want flavour, not fire.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic is key. It's pungent and delicious.
Quick Swaps: No coriander? A pinch of dried cilantro might work. Lemon juice is non-negotiable. Try lime juice if you are really in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here, seriously. We want this Chicken Shawarma to be accessible.

Essential Tools: Large mixing bowl, Ziploc bag (or container) for marinating, baking sheet or cast iron skillet.
Household Alternatives: Don't have a cast iron skillet? A regular baking sheet works just fine. No Ziploc? A bowl with cling film is your friend. It’s a Doner Kebab without the crazy vertical rotisserie, so we need to be clever. I want everyone to eat Mediterranean Food tonight. This is great Mediterranean Diet Recipes .

Honestly, i remember the first time i tried making shawarma at home. i didn't have all the spices, so i improvised.

It wasn't exactly shawarma, but it was still tasty. the point is, don't be afraid to experiment. this shawarma recipe is all about having fun and making something delicious.

Dinner this week ? sorted.

Alright, let's get this shawarma recipe show on the road! i'm proper buzzing to share my take on this classic.

This isn’t just any old chicken shawarma recipe ; it's the kinda thing you'd whip up for a "winner winner chicken dinner" that everyone raves about! forget those dodgy kebab shops we’re doing it better.

Let's Talk Prep: Your Mise en Place

Honestly, getting your ducks in a row is half the battle. essential mise en place ? chop your veggies, measure your spices the whole shebang.

Time saving tip? marinate the chicken the night before. trust me; it's worth it! and yeah, watch those knives. we don't want any accidents, do we? especially if you've had a few cheeky pints like i sometimes do.

Cooking the Chicken: step-by-step Guide

Ready to get cooking? This is where the magic happens.

Marinade Prep: Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Give it a good whisk!
Chicken Time: Chuck the chicken in the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated.
Chill Out: Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours . Overnight is even better.
Oven On: Preheat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F) .
Spread It Out: Put the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake Away: Bake for 30- 40 minutes . Check the internal temperature. We’re looking for 74° C ( 165° F) .
Rest Up: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding.
Assemble & Feast: Load up your pita with chicken and all the trimmings.

Pro Tips: From Zero to Shawarma Hero

Want to take your chicken shawarma game to the next level? for extra flavour, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it dries out faster than you'd think. make-ahead? marinate the chicken and prep all your toppings the day before.

Job's a good'un! the great thing about mediterranean food , especially this shawarma recipe , is that you can tailor it to your taste.

This kinda falls into mediterranean diet recipes , too!

So there you have it. my take on the shawarma recipe . honestly, this is way better than any doner kebab you'll find down the street! it's proper middle eastern food , but made in your own kitchen.

Perfect for a quick dinner this week , or any time you're craving that kebab shop flavour. so, what are you waiting for? get cooking, you legend!

Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Shawarma Recipe

So, you're about to make the shawarma recipe ? Brilliant! This isn’t just some boring instruction manual. This is proper, honest advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and occasionally set off the smoke alarm trying to perfect Middle Eastern Food in the kitchen!

Ace Serving Suggestions

Plating and presentation is key, babes! think vibrant. don't just bung it all in. honestly? a sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders.

You know? for sides, a simple couscous salad is banging. or, for something refreshing, a minty yogurt drink cuts through all the richness, just like a proper mediterranean diet recipes meal.

For drinks, try an ayran (salty yogurt drink) to compliment the chicken shawarma .

Sorted Storage Tips

Right, so you've made a load. now what? leftover chicken shawarma filling keeps well in the fridge. stick it in an airtight container.

It's good for about 3 days. want longer? freezing is an option. divide it into portions. then, defrost overnight in the fridge.

When reheating, low and slow is key to avoid drying it out, just like any doner kebab .

Winning Variations

Fancy a tweak? go wild! feeling plant based? chickpeas are your friend! marinate them like the chicken. then, roast them until crispy.

Bosh! done. gluten-free? just swap the pita for lettuce wraps. or, serve it over a big bowl of salad. it's still delicious.

If you are looking for dinner this week , this winner winner chicken dinner is the best bet!

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so let's be real. this isn't exactly health food, but it's not terrible either. you are getting a decent whack of protein from the chicken.

And, good fats from the olive oil. all these spices in the chicken shawarma recipe boast anti inflammatory powers. you know, turmeric and all that jazz.

It is actually an authentic mediterranean food dish.

So, there you have it! My notes to help you nail this Shawarma Recipe . Don't be scared to experiment. Most of all, have fun, and enjoy the delicious taste of Mediterranean Food !

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new to shawarma! What is shawarma, exactly?

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food typically made with marinated meat (in this case, chicken) that's cooked on a vertical rotisserie. We're replicating those delicious flavours at home using your oven! Think of it like a really flavourful, spiced chicken kebab served in a pita with all the trimmings.

It's a proper flavour sensation, innit?

Can I prepare this shawarma recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, prepping ahead is highly recommended. The chicken benefits from marinating for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better, really letting those flavours develop like a fine wine.

You can also chop your veggies and prepare your sauces in advance, then simply cook the chicken and assemble the shawarmas when you're ready to eat. It's all about making life easier, like putting the kettle on for a cuppa!

My chicken came out a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid that next time?

Dry chicken is a bit of a bummer, isn't it? It likely means it was overcooked. Make sure you're using a meat thermometer and cooking to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving than chicken breasts because of their higher fat content, so stick with those if you can.

Also, don't skip the resting period after cooking it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken lovely and moist!

What are some good variations to this chicken shawarma recipe? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Fancy getting creative? You can add a dollop of harissa paste to your marinade for a spicy kick, or swap out the chicken for marinated halloumi for a veggie twist. You could also try adding some pomegranate seeds for a bit of sweetness and crunch.

And instead of pitas, how about serving everything in a wrap, or even over rice? Get experimental - like Mary Berry in the Bake Off tent!

How long can I store leftover cooked shawarma chicken, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Cooked shawarma chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for best results, try pan-frying it with a little oil over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy.

You could also reheat it in the oven, wrapped in foil, to prevent it from drying out. It's perfect for a quick lunch or another shawarma feast!

Is this shawarma recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This shawarma recipe can be a relatively healthy option, depending on how you build it. Chicken thighs provide protein, and the veggies add vitamins and fibre. However, be mindful of the sauces hummus and tahini can be high in fat, so use them in moderation.

You can lighten it up by using whole wheat pitas, loading up on veggies, and using low-fat versions of the sauces. It’s all about balance, like having a cheeky biscuit with your tea!