Easy Chicken Shawarma

The warm spices of cumin, paprika, and cinnamon combined with tangy yogurt create a deeply flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken, making each bite a perfect balance of savory and aromatic. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior.

Served in soft pita or flatbread with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch. The freshness of the veggies complements the richness of the chicken, while the parsley adds a final touch of brightness to the dish.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground paprika

• 1 tbsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground allspice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Pita bread or flatbreads (for serving)

• Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers (for serving)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and yogurt.

2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.

5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

6. Serve the chicken in pita bread or flatbreads, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Makes Easy Chicken Shawarma So Special?

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Shawarma lies in the simplicity of the recipe, combined with the bold flavors that make it so iconic. The marinade plays a critical role in infusing the chicken with flavor. It’s a mixture of yogurt and various spices that tenderizes the chicken while also enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. This balance of rich spices and tangy yogurt creates a deeply satisfying dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

The combination of cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice creates a warm, slightly smoky profile, while the lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty note. These spices are typical of Middle Eastern cuisine, where the use of fragrant herbs and spices adds complexity to simple dishes. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking to add some excitement to your meals, this Chicken Shawarma recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

The Versatility of Chicken Shawarma

One of the key reasons why Chicken Shawarma is so popular is its versatility. You can serve it in various ways, from stuffing it into pita bread or flatbreads to topping a salad or using it as a filling for wraps. The options for customization are endless. For instance, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your preference by adding more heat with chili flakes or opting for milder flavors.

Additionally, shawarma is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen, and then cook it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal planning for the entire week. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables, a creamy tahini sauce, or even a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to complement the flavors of the chicken.

Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma offers a healthier alternative to traditional fast food or takeout options. The chicken itself is an excellent source of protein, and when paired with fresh vegetables, it creates a well-rounded meal that is satisfying without being heavy. The yogurt marinade is not only delicious but also beneficial, as it helps tenderize the meat and adds probiotics that promote gut health.

Furthermore, this recipe allows you to control the amount of oil and seasoning, which makes it a much healthier option than some of the store-bought shawarma versions or those served at restaurants. By using olive oil in the marinade and grilling the chicken rather than frying it, you reduce the overall fat content, making it a cleaner, more nutritious choice.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Shawarma

The beauty of Chicken Shawarma is that it can be served in countless ways to suit your needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Shawarma Wraps: Serve the grilled chicken in soft pita bread or flatbreads. Add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a crunchy, refreshing bite. You can also drizzle a creamy sauce like tahini or garlic sauce over the chicken for added richness.

2. Shawarma Bowls: For a lighter, low-carb option, create a Shawarma bowl. Layer the grilled chicken on top of a bed of lettuce or mixed greens and add your favorite toppings, such as hummus, pickled vegetables, or a tangy yogurt sauce.

3. Shawarma Salad: A refreshing way to enjoy Chicken Shawarma is by turning it into a salad. Combine the chicken with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a citrus dressing. The smoky flavors of the shawarma pair perfectly with the freshness of the salad ingredients.

4. Grilled Vegetables: If you’re looking to make a complete meal, consider serving Chicken Shawarma with grilled vegetables. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complement the spiced chicken beautifully.

5. Side Dishes: Serve the chicken with a side of rice, couscous, or quinoa. These grains will soak up the flavors from the marinade and make the meal even more satisfying.

Why You Should Make This Easy Chicken Shawarma at Home

Making Chicken Shawarma at home not only allows you to enjoy the same incredible flavors that you would find at a restaurant, but it also gives you full control over the ingredients. You can ensure that only fresh, quality ingredients go into your dish, which is often not the case with pre-made or restaurant versions.

Another benefit of preparing this dish yourself is that it’s much more affordable than ordering out. By purchasing chicken, yogurt, and spices in bulk, you can prepare several servings of Shawarma for the price of one restaurant meal. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma Every Time

To make sure your Chicken Shawarma turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to follow:

1. Marinate for the Best Flavor: While you can technically marinate the chicken for just an hour, the flavors will be more intense if you allow it to marinate for several hours or even overnight. This extra time allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

2. Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Thighs: While this recipe works with chicken breasts, chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay juicier when grilled. They’re less likely to dry out, making them a great option for grilling.

3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can lead to a dry, tough texture. Grill the chicken just until it’s cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result will be juicy, tender meat with a slight char on the outside.

4. Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences. If you like a bit more heat, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you want a milder version, cut back on the spices.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its rich marinade of spices and yogurt, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for bold, Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. Whether you choose to wrap it in pita bread, serve it in a bowl, or enjoy it with a side of rice, Chicken Shawarma is an adaptable dish that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.

By making this dish at home, you not only get to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal but also save time and money. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that everyone will love. The tender, juicy chicken paired with fresh veggies and warm spices is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So grab your chicken, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a homemade shawarma experience that rivals your favorite takeout!