The Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Middle Eastern Taste

Chances are, if you’ve walked along a busy Middle Eastern Street or eaten at a Mediterranean eatery, you’ve been greeted by the unpleasantly intoxicating smell of chicken shawarma—flavorful meat cut thinly and served wrapped in warm pita.

This restaurant staple has been crafted into an international phenomenon for its rich flavor, comforting texture, and adaptability when being served.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what shawarma is, walk through the authentic chicken shawarma recipe, list essential equipment, explain ingredient substitutions, offer pro tips for success, and conclude with a recipe card and helpful FAQs. Let’s dive into the world of this iconic dish.

What Is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a street food in the Middle East made from lean meat strips, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, that are marinated in spices and cooked on a vertical spit.

It is slowly cooked while it rotates and is shredded into thin strips. Shawarma is traditionally served in pita or flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, tahini, and fresh vegetables.

While actual shawarma is spit-roasted, this home version of the recipe brings the traditional flavor home with no loss in authenticity of flavor and ease of method.

Equipment

You don’t need to have a spit roaster in order to make chicken shawarma at home. You will need the following:

• Mixing bowls – to marinate the chicken.
• Cast-iron skillet or grill pan – so that you can get that smoky charred appearance.
• Oven, optional – for broiling or baking.
• Sharp knife – for slicing the chicken thinly.
• Tongs or spatula – to turn over the chicken.
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

Here are the standard ingredients, including the necessary spices for this chicken shawarma recipe:

For the Chicken Marinade:

1.5 to 2 lbs (700-900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. (more juicy than breast) 3 tbsp plain yogurt (serves as a tenderizer)

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1½ tsp salt

For Serving:

• Warm pita bread or flatbread
• Garlic sauce (toum), tahini, or yogurt sauce
• Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions
• Pickled turnips or pickles
• Fresh parsley

Making the Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Step-by-Step Process

Here is a step by step process of making authentic chicken shawarma recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic minced and all spices. Mix well to prepare a thick marinade. The secret of the shawarma flavor is in the spices, that include coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric and a pinch of cayenne.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bowl, coating each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the chicken can soak up all of the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option A-Stovetop Method: Heat up your cast-iron pan, or grill pan, to medium-high. Grease up that pan, and sear the sides of your chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked and nicely browned.

Option B-Oven-Baked Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken on baking sheet and roast in oven for 25–30 minutes; flip halfway. Broil for last 2–3 minutes to get some added char.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Slice thinly, shawarma-style.

Step 5: Assemble the Wrap

Spread garlic sauce or tahini on your pita, top with sliced chicken piled high, and add veggies and pickles. Roll or fold up into a wrap and serve!

Substitutes and Variations

There are multiple substitutes and variations of the authentic chicken shawarma recipes that you will get, so here are a few of them.

Protein Options:

• Beef or Lamb: Substitute chicken with flank steak or leg of lamb.
• Vegetarian: Substitute with tofu, seitan, or mushrooms marinated with same spices.

Dairy-Free:

• Substitute with non-dairy yogurt such as coconut or almond-based yogurt.

Gluten-Free:

• Serve in gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps.

Spice Level

• Use less or omit cayenne to reduce heat.

Oven-Free Option

• Marinate chicken and grill on an outdoor BBQ for deep, rich smoky taste.

Pro Tips and Storage

It is possible that you have made a huge batch of authentic chicken shawarma recipes, but it is not possible for you to consume the whole thing.

So here are here are a few tips on how to make the shawarma better and how you can store the food for future consumption as well.

Pro Tips:

• Use chicken thighs-it’ll yield the best in moisture and juiciness
• Marinate overnight if possible for the most intense taste
• Broil chicken after cooking for an extra rich, restaurant-style feel.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of sear.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly covered container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked shawarma for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain texture—try not to microwave whenever possible.

FAQ

Here are a few questions that others have asked on the whole process of this authentic chicken shawarma recipe, which might seem helpful to you as well, so check them out.

More Delicious Recipes

Want more similar Middle Eastern or Mediterranean recipes? Try these:

• Beef Kofta Kebabs
• Homemade Falafel
• Tabbouleh Salad
• Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki
• Baba Ganoush
• Homemade Pita Bread
• Garlic Toum Sauce

Creating the Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe!

Homemade chicken shawarma is the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine—aromatic spices, succulent meat, and fill-your-own fixings.

This real-deal recipe for a weeknight supper or that particular celebratory feast plates gigantic flavor with minimal hassle.

With decent ingredients and some prep time in advance, you’ve got a street-food staple that your family will demand more, more, MORE!

More Recipes:

• Arabian Chicken Mandi – A Fragrant Yemeni Delight
• Chicken Madrooba: The Middle Eastern Comfort Food You Will Absolutely Have to Try
• How To Make Chicken Majboos At Home? A Step-By-Step Guide