Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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; Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers

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Introduction

Easy Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings. Marinated in a blend of warm spices and yogurt, the chicken turns tender and juicy. Serve it wrapped in pita with fresh veggies for a delightful meal.

The image shows a white plate with a flatbread layer at the bottom, soft and lightly charred with brown spots. On top of the flatbread, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, golden-brown and slightly charred with green parsley flakes sprinkled over. To the side, there are fresh cucumber slices, light green with darker edges, and halved cherry tomatoes that are bright red with visible seeds. A small white cup filled with white sauce is placed next to the vegetables. A lemon wedge with a yellow rind peeks out from under the chicken, and the whole plate sits on a white marbled surface with some green parsley scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and yogurt to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Step 6: Serve the sliced chicken wrapped in pita or flatbreads, topped with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken on a charcoal grill if possible.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade and creamier texture.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick.
Leftover sliced chicken works great in salads or rice bowls.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two pita wraps are placed on a white marbled surface, each wrapped partially in white paper. The warm, slightly toasted pita bread is the outer layer, light brown with some darker toasted spots. Inside, the first visible layer is a creamy white yogurt sauce spread unevenly. Above that, layers of fresh cucumber slices are bright green with a watery texture, next thin slices of red onion add a thin purple color, and red cherry tomato halves bring a juicy, glossy look. The main filling consists of chunky grilled chicken pieces, golden-brown with some blackened char marks for a smoky look. The wraps sit on a round wooden board surrounded by small bowls of sliced red onions, white tzatziki sauce with green herbs, whole ripe red cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness, a minimum of 2 hours will still produce delicious results if you’re short on time.