Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe !! There’s something about the smell of sizzling spices wafting through the house that just draws people in. That’s how it started for me. Years ago, I was making this recipe in my small Prescott kitchen. The windows were open, kids were running in and out, and one of my neighbors popped over and asked, “What on earth are you cooking?” She ended up staying for dinner, and we’ve been swapping recipes ever since.
That moment stuck with me.
See, growing up, my dad grilled carne asada on weekends, and my mom made big pots of pozole on holidays. But shawarma? That came later after kids, after late nights googling “easy homemade chicken shawarma recipe” that didn’t require fancy tools or a rotisserie. What I found was even better: bold flavors, juicy chicken, and a marinade that tastes like it came from a Middle Eastern street cart. Now it’s part of our regular rotation.
And let me tell you, when you mix up this chicken shawarma recipe with marinade and let it soak overnight, it’s magic. It’s got that comforting, homemade warmth, but with spice combinations that feel adventurous in the best way. Whether you serve it wrapped in warm pita or spooned into a rice bowl, this authentic chicken shawarma recipe is a keeper.
I first shared it at a backyard dinner with the same energy I put into these Boneless Chicken Wings easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Easy, Familiar Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy. This authentic chicken shawarma recipe with yogurt sauce uses simple pantry spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Even cardamom, the most “unusual” of them, is stocked in most U.S. grocery stores now.
Incredible for Meal Prep and Gatherings
What I love most? It’s one of those recipes that gets better the longer it sits. Perfect for a weekend cook-ahead or even a campfire dinner. Just like the crowd-favorite Chicken and Gravy Recipe, it’s a solid bet when you’re feeding hungry mouths with zero stress.
Ingredients to Make This Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This authentic chicken shawarma recipe Middle Eastern style starts with bold but familiar ingredients. Most of the magic comes from the marinade, which blends warm spices, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
Below is your easy reference ingredient table with clear purpose, so you know exactly why each item matters.
Chicken Shawarma Marinade & Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 2 lbs (approx. 6 pieces) | Juicy base that stays moist and tender |
| Garlic, minced | 1 large clove | Adds bold, aromatic flavor |
| Ground coriander | 1 tbsp | Earthy depth, classic Middle Eastern spice |
| Ground cumin | 1 tbsp | Warm, nutty flavor that balances the marinade |
| Ground cardamom | 1 tbsp | Unique citrusy-pine kick essential to authentic taste |
| Ground cayenne pepper | 1 tsp | Adds subtle heat (reduce or omit for milder flavor) |
| Smoked paprika | 2 tsp | Brings smoky sweetness and color |
| Salt | 2 tsp | Enhances all the other spice flavors |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds sharpness and finish |
| Lemon juice (fresh) | 2 tbsp | Tanginess and tenderizing acid for the marinade |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Helps coat and carry flavors into the chicken |
Yogurt Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended)
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | 1 cup | Creamy base for cooling contrast |
| Garlic, crushed | 1 clove | Sharp bite to balance the richness |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Adds earthiness to the sauce |
| Lemon juice | Squeeze to taste | Brightens the sauce, ties in with the marinade |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balances the tang and spice |
Want something dairy-free? Swap the yogurt sauce with a bold tahini drizzle or toum-style garlic sauce for a more traditional Lebanese twist.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need any specialty gear to make this easy homemade authentic chicken shawarma recipe. Here’s what works best:
- Large ziplock bag or bowl – For marinating the chicken. Ziplock helps coat evenly.
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan – Ideal for stovetop searing to get that delicious crust.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken while cooking.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – To slice the chicken after resting.
- Optional: Food processor or blender if you make homemade toum or tahini sauce.
You don’t need a rotisserie, but if you’re curious, check out this Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipe for ideas on how to recreate that tender texture with leftovers.
For baked or air fryer options, stick around we’ll cover that in Part 4’s variations.
How to Make This Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This authentic chicken shawarma recipe step by step doesn’t require a rotisserie, fancy gadgets, or a culinary degree. All you need is a bit of time, quality ingredients, and a skillet or grill pan.
Marinate Like a Pro
First things first the marinade is everything.
Combine all your spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a ziplock bag. Add in your chicken thighs and massage the mixture from the outside of the bag to ensure every piece gets coated in that chicken shawarma recipe with marinade magic.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight in the fridge is ideal. That time lets the spices soak deep into the meat, creating those unmistakable Middle Eastern flavors.
Megan’s tip: You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade, making this a lifesaver for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Cook It Right – Stovetop or Grill
No need for a rotisserie setup. For an authentic chicken shawarma recipe stovetop, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a bit of oil, then place your marinated chicken thighs on the pan.
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until beautifully browned and charred at the edges. If using a grill, same timing applies. And yes, your kitchen will smell incredible.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. That keeps the juices inside, so every bite stays tender and full of flavor.
Not in the mood to cook on the stove? You can easily bake it at 425°F for 20–25 minutes. or explore other juicy chicken options like this comforting Chicken and Gravy Recipe, perfect for weeknights.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. That keeps the juices inside, so every bite stays tender and full of flavor.
Ways to Serve with Authentic Chicken Shawarma
This authentic chicken shawarma recipe is more than a meal it’s a choose-your-own-adventure. Here are two of my favorite ways to plate it.
Shawarma Wraps
Pile sliced chicken into a soft pita or flatbread. Top it with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a generous spoon of yogurt or tahini sauce. Roll it up and enjoy every juicy, spiced bite.
For a bold, satisfying variation, serve alongside this Chicken Burrito Recipe for your next meal-prep rotation.
Shawarma Rice Bowls
Looking for a low-carb authentic chicken shawarma recipe? Serve your chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice. Add pickled veggies, a dollop of garlic sauce, and maybe a few sumac onions for tang. This version makes an excellent meal prep lunch.
Pair with a crisp salad, like a chickpea cucumber mix, or drizzle with hot sauce for a street-style finish.
Variations and Substitutions for Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Even though this authentic chicken shawarma recipe with yogurt is as close to the street-style original as you can get at home, there’s room to adapt based on what you’ve got in your pantry or who you’re feeding.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Chicken Thighs or Breast
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the traditional go-to for juicy, flavorful results, you can absolutely make this with chicken breast. Just slice them in half horizontally and cook on high heat to lock in moisture. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthy chicken shawarma recipe that’s a little leaner.
If you’re prepping for a week’s worth of meals, this works beautifully for chicken shawarma recipe meal prep with either cut. Make extra and repurpose it for rice bowls, wraps, or even salad toppers.
Swap the Sauces
Not into yogurt? No problem.
Try this authentic chicken shawarma recipe with tahini sauce or a classic Lebanese toum, a whipped garlic sauce that brings serious flavor. You’ll want to serve that version with warm pita and crisp veggies for a more traditional Arabic chicken shawarma experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Authentic Chicken Shawarma
Want your authentic chicken shawarma recipe Middle Eastern style to really shine? These simple tips will take it to the next level.
Marinate Longer Than You Think
Yes, three hours is good but overnight? That’s when the magic really happens. The lemon juice and olive oil tenderize the meat while the spices build depth. It’s also a great trick when prepping ahead, just like I do with my Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipe another go-to for flavor-packed shortcuts.
Don’t Skip the Cardamom
It’s tempting to leave it out if you don’t have it on hand, but this is the one spice that transforms a basic spice mix into a truly authentic chicken shawarma recipe with homemade spice blend. That citrusy pine flavor sets it apart.
How to Store This Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Whether you’re saving leftovers or planning meals ahead, here’s how to keep your chicken shawarma fresh, juicy, and full of flavor.
Refrigeration Tips
Store sliced chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Keep sauces like yogurt or garlic sauce in a separate container to maintain their texture and freshness.
Pro tip: Don’t assemble wraps until just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
Freezing for Later
This authentic chicken shawarma recipe freezes like a dream. Freeze marinated uncooked chicken in zip-top bags. Then defrost and cook for a fast, flavorful dinner. You can also freeze cooked chicken, just reheat gently with a splash of water or lemon juice to revive the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with This Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Even with a recipe as forgiving as this one, a few small missteps can get in the way of truly nailing that authentic chicken shawarma wrap recipe experience.
Rushing the Marination
The biggest mistake? Not giving the chicken enough time to soak up all those bold Middle Eastern flavors. A quick 30-minute soak won’t cut it. For best results, marinate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is the sweet spot.
Skipping the Resting Time
Right after cooking, give your chicken 5 minutes to rest. This keeps the juices from running out when sliced. Without that rest, even the juiciest chicken shawarma recipe with lemon juice can end up dry.
Using Too Much Heat
Burning the spices is another common mistake. You want a char, not a charred mess. Keep the heat at medium-high, especially on cast iron or grill pans to lock in flavor without overpowering it.
Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a ziplock bag or bowl, combine coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Add chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly.
- Seal and marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil and cook chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Serve chicken in pita wraps or over rice bowls with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese and yogurt sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use tahini sauce or traditional Lebanese toum instead of yogurt.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
- This recipe works equally well grilled, pan-seared, or baked, and stores beautifully for meal prep.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Final Thoughts on the Best Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This authentic Lebanese chicken shawarma recipe brings big, bold flavor with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a weekend dinner, it’s one of those dishes that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Whoa.”
Just like my kids do when they smell the marinade in the fridge “Mom, are we having the good chicken tonight?”
It’s versatile, healthy, and wildly satisfying. Wrap it up in warm pita, load it onto rice bowls, or enjoy it straight from the skillet. However you serve it, this authentic chicken shawarma recipe is one of those rare dishes that checks every box: easy, delicious, and crowd-approved.
For another family-favorite with deep flavor, check out this comforting Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice it’s a great follow-up for anyone craving more chicken goodness.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED! FOLLOW ME ON:
Tried this recipe? I’d be thrilled to see your take on it! Snap a pic and tag me @Sweftyrecipes so I can share your delicious creations with our foodie community.
→ FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chicken shawarma be made without a rotisserie?
Yes! That’s exactly how this recipe is made on the stovetop or grill pan. No need for a vertical spit. You still get that charred, flavorful crust without any special equipment.
Is there a vegan alternative to shawarma?
Absolutely. Use marinated tofu or seitan with the same shawarma spice blend. Pair with tahini sauce and pita for a delicious plant-based alternative.
How do I reheat the leftover chicken shawarma?
Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of lemon juice or olive oil. It helps bring the moisture back without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if possible, it can toughen the meat.
What is the white sauce they put on shawarma?
That’s usually toum, a garlicky Lebanese sauce, or yogurt sauce made with garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. Both balance the bold spice in the chicken perfectly.