Homemade Chicken Shawarma: Middle Eastern Street Food

Craving amazing chicken shawarma? This recipe is surprisingly easy and packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavor. Get the secret to juicy chicken every time! #FoodCharlatanRecipes

June 5, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Right then, fancy a bit of middle eastern magic in your own kitchen? ever wondered how to whip up your own cracking chicken shawarma recipe ? honestly, it's easier than you think, and the flavours are just immense .

This isn't just food; it's a proper journey for your taste buds.

Shawarma Chicken: Street Food Sorted

This ain't your average tuesday night dinner, mind you. we're talking about bringing the vibrant middle eastern recipes chicken right to your table.

Originating from the ottoman empire, shawarma is now a beloved street food worldwide. it’s totally achievable at home. this recipe is a medium-level challenge.

Give yourself about 20 mins prep, a good few hours for marinating, and another 20-30 to cook. boom. you'll get enough to feed 4-6 hungry mouths.

Homemade Chicken Shawarma: Middle Eastern Street Food Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:04 Hrs 20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is ideal for a thicker consistency)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6-8 pita breads, warmed
• Toppings of your choice: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, hummus, hot sauce

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread marinated chicken evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
• Warm pita bread. Fill each pita with sliced chicken shawarma, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and your choice of sauces. Serve immediately.

Why This Swarma Chicken Marinade Recipe is a Winner

This isn't just food, it's a blooming health boost, packed with protein and amazing spices. the yogurt in the marinade adds a lovely tang and tenderness.

It's perfect for a weekend gathering, a casual get-together with mates, or frankly, when you just fancy something really tasty.

What makes this food charlatan recipes special? it’s the balance of spices and how well they infuse into the chicken.

It's a real flavour bomb!

Now, let’s get down to what you'll need to make this Chicken Shawarma Sauce shine, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing chicken shawarma recipe . Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle, innit? Think of it like building a house; you need a solid foundation, yeah?

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, so, before we get cracking, let's gather our bits and bobs. This Food Charlatan Recipes ain't no joke! You need to be prepared.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll actually need. This is for the chicken itself, the star of our Middle Eastern Recipes Chicken show!

• Chicken thighs: 2 lbs (900g) , boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces. Look for chicken thighs that are pink and firm. No one wants slimy chicken, yeah?
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Extra virgin is best, but any good quality olive oil will do.
• Lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, trust me.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always the winner!
• Plain yogurt: 2 tablespoons . Greek yogurt is your Chicken Shawarma Sauce secret weapon here, adding a fab tang.
• Paprika: 2 teaspoons . Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavour, FYI.
• Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons .
• Ground turmeric: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Unique Chicken Recipes Dinners need a bit of kick sometimes!
• Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons .
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes

Now, about the spices... This is where the magic happens. You can’t just chuck any old thing in.

This combo gives you that authentic shawarma taste. You know, that warm, fragrant vibe? Don't be afraid to tweak it to your taste.

Don't have turmeric? a pinch of saffron will do in a pinch, if you are feeling fancy. a good chicken swarma seasoning dressing can turn even a basic bit of chicken into something special.

I often use a dash of sumac too, for extra zing!

Equipment Needed

Right, gear up! this chicken shawarma instant pot or chicken swarma crock pot doesn't make itself, even though it feels like a proper ethnic dinner recipes.

We want to make this swarma chicken marinade recipe with as little fuss as possible, yeah?

• Large bowl.
• Whisk.
• Resealable bag.
• Large skillet.
• Meat thermometer (optional but seriously handy). Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) – safety first!

You can use a baking sheet instead of a skillet, but i find the skillet gives it a nice char.

A fork will do if you don't have a whisk. just get the marinade blended well. honestly, that's all you really need.

Right then, let's whip up a banging chicken shawarma recipe . forget the kebab shop down the road. we're doing it proper.

And trust me, it's easier than you think. it might become one of your favourite food charlatan recipes !

Prep Like a Pro: Shawarma Edition

First things first, let's get organised. It's all about the mise en place , innit?

• Essential mise en place: Get your chicken thighs chopped into bite-sized pieces. Mince that garlic like your life depends on it. Squeeze those lemons for fresh juice. Nobody wants bottled stuff. You know?
• Time-saving organisation tips: I like to measure all my spices into a small bowl beforehand. Saves faffing about later when you're in the thick of it. Honestly, it does.
• Safety Reminders: Wash your hands, yeah? And avoid cross-contamination, especially with raw chicken.

Chicken Shawarma, Step by Effortless Step

Right, pay attention, because this is the magic bit. This Chicken Shawarma recipe is one of the best Unique Chicken Recipes Dinners you can have! And it's totally fool-proof.

1. Marinade Magic: In a big bowl, mix your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne (if you're feeling brave), salt and pepper. Whisk it all together like you mean it.
2. Chicken Bath Time: Chuck in your chicken pieces. Make sure they're properly coated in that Swarma Chicken Marinade Recipe . Give it a good mix, like you're massaging it.
3. Chill Out: Seal it all up in a bag or container. Bung it in the fridge for at least 4 hours , but overnight is even better. The longer, the more the flavour gets right in there. You could even make it in the Chicken Shawarma Instant Pot before continuing!.
4. Heat Things Up: Get your skillet scorching hot on medium-high heat.
5. Chicken Party: Chuck the marinated chicken in. Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if you need to. Stir it about now and then. Cook for 15- 20 minutes , or until cooked through.
6. Temp Check: The inside needs to reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer, if you've got one.
7. Slice and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into strips. Warm up your pita breads. Fill them with the chicken, your choice of Chicken Shawarma Sauce , and whatever toppings you fancy.

Pro Tips for Boss-Level Shawarma

Want to take your shawarma game to the next level? Course you do!

• Don't be shy with the spices: The more the merrier, honestly. This is a great Middle Eastern Recipes Chicken option!
• Avoid Overcooking: Dry chicken is the worst. Keep an eye on it. Nobody wants tough shawarma.
• Make-ahead Options: You can totally make the marinade a day or two in advance. Life saver, that is! Or even cook in the Chicken Swarma Crock Pot .

Right, let's talk about the good stuff: making your chicken shawarma recipe truly yours . think of these as friendly little pointers, not rules set in stone.

Honestly, even food charlatan recipes need a bit of personal flair, you know?

Recipe Notes That Rock!

What to Serve with Your Swarma

So, your chicken shawarma is cooked. ace! now what? for plating, i always like to pile high in a pita with a generous dollop of chicken shawarma sauce .

Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon always smarten things up. as for sides, a simple cucumber and tomato salad is mint .

Fancy a bevvy? something like homemade lemonade always hits the spot.

Storing Like a Pro

Leftovers? lucky you! pop that middle eastern recipes chicken into an airtight container. in the fridge, it will last for around 3-4 days no sweat.

If you are thinking longer term. freeze it up to 2-3 months – easy peasy. when reheating from frozen, defrost it overnight and then heat it on the hob until piping hot; job's a good'un!

Swarma Chicken: Remix Time

Want to mix things up? here's a couple of thoughts. for a dietary adaptation , how about a chicken shawarma instant pot version? you can use cauliflower rice to replace the pita bread; you won't miss it, trust me! also, try this ethnic dinner recipes .

Seasonal? in summer, chuck in some grilled peppers and courgettes. honestly, they make all the difference! also, if you are feeling lazy, you can use chicken swarma crock pot .

Nutrition: The Nitty Gritty

Okay, here's the breakdown in plain english. each serving is about 550 calories. you will get a good whack of protein.

The key health benefit here is that you are getting a homemade meal with proper ingredients, rather than a greasy takeaway.

You know? this unique chicken recipes dinners is a good choice!. also, you can add chicken swarma seasoning dressing for an additional layer of flavors.

There you have it. Your Chicken Swarma Marinade Recipe is ready to be served. Go on. Get cooking!