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    Home > Street Food

    Chicken Shawarma

    Published: May 21, 2020 · Modified: Aug 9, 2021 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Go to Video Print Recipe

    This Chicken Shawarma is juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in flatbreads with a creamy, tahini dressing - perfect for hot or cold weather. Chicken Shawarma laid out on a pita bread

    Sharwarma. Is it just me or does that word sound like something deliciously smoochy like a romantic slow dance outdoors, in a candlelit square of a beautiful warm country. With lots of wine. Hmmm. Maybe I need a holiday (don't we all!). If I said Sharwarma to Chris on the other hand, he'd immediately think of Iron Man's sharwarma quote in that Avengers film. Actually, that was the first time I'd ever heard of this dish, and if Iron Man thought it'd be good, then it was bound to be.

    What do we need?

    • Chicken thighs are great for homemade shawarma as they hold up well to intense, high-heat cooking, whilst retaining their juiciness.
    • Spices - give a smoky, spicy, warming flavour to the chicken
    • Tahini - essential for a good shawarma sauce - mixed with that Greek yogurt, plus garlic, dill, lemon, cumin, salt and pepper

    Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma on a wooden table

    How to make this shawarma at home

    Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.
    • Place chopped chicken thighs in a bowl with oil, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, chilli powder, cinnamon and minced garlic. Stir, cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate.
    • Cook the chicken pieces on a griddle (see notes section in recipe card for other cooking methods), turning a couple of times until slightly charred on the outside cooked through in the middle.
    6 image collage showing how to make Chicken Shawarma
    • Make the shawarma sauce by mixing together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, tahini, cumin, dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
    4 image collage showing how to make shawarma sauce
    • Serve the shawarma in warm flatbreads with lettuce, red onion, tomatoes and cucumber and a drizzle of the yogurt tahini dressing.
    Close up of Chicken Shawarma on a pita bread Traditionally, making shawarma involves cooking meat such as chicken/lamb/beef on a vertical spit for a hours, then serving it in a flatbread topped with some salad and sauce.
    Unfortunately, I don't have a spit at home (that would be brilliant - apart from the fact that I already struggle to ensure we have at least one meat-free day a week.  I'd have no chance with a spit full of juicy char-grilled meat available on tap) - so I cook my chicken on a cast iron griddle.  If you don't have one, then you can BBQ or grill the chicken.
    Chicken Shawarma in a pita bread being help by a hand

    What to serve with Chicken Shawarma:

    Chilli Garlic Oven-Baked Fries

    Veggie Buddha Bowls

    Veggie Matchstick Fries

    Falafel Salad Bowls

    All the fixings from this Spicy Nourish Bowl (no need for the chicken)

    Can I make it ahead? Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance (up to a day ahead) and make the sauce a couple of days ahead too. Make sure they're covered and refrigerated until ready to use. The chicken does taste better straight off the griddle, but you can cook it ahead it you want to, then quickly cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. You can eat the chicken cold in a salad or flatbread/pita, or you can reheat it by wrapping in foil in a single layer, and heating in the oven at 190C/375F for around 20 minutes or until piping hot throughout. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Chicken thighs are better at standing up to high heat cooking - like that on a griddle or bbq - whilst staying juicy. However you can replace with chicken breast pieces if you prefer. Try to ensure you don't overcook - as the chicken may become dry. But do ensure it's cooked throughout and no longer pink in the middle. Alternative to tahini in the dressing: You can leave the tahini out of the dressing if you like and it will still be really tasty. Alternatively replace with nut butter (peanut/almond/cashew) if you still want that nutty taste. You can also replace the tahini with half a grated cucumber that's been squeezed out to remove most of the liquid. This will give you a tzatziki style dressing instead. Best type of flatbreads I really love Greek or Lebanese style flatbreads with shawarma, as they're thicker and chewier than tortillas or pocket-style pita breads - so they result in a tastier, more satisfying wrap. However, you can use regular pocket-style pitas, tortilla wraps or even naan bread if you like (I'd even use chapati - I'm all for a bit of food fusion!). Go with your favourite style of flatbread or better still make your own homemade flatbreads.

    More grilled chicken recipes:

    • Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
    • Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
    • Cajun Chicken Noodle Salad
    • Mexican Chicken Skewers with Picante Salsa
    • Chicken Souvlaki with Homemade Tzatziki
    • Easy Chicken Gyros

    Watch how to make it

    Chicken Shawarma in a pita being held by a hand

    Chicken Shawarma

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    This Chicken Shawarma is juicy spiced chicken wrapped in flatbreads with a creamy, tahini dressing - perfect for hot or cold weather.
    5 from 6 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Marinating time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
    Course Lunch
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 521 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    Chicken Shawarma

    • 8 chicken thigh fillets cut into bite-sized chunks
    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp ground coriander
    • ¼ tsp chili powder
    • Pinch of cinnamon
    • 1 clove garlic peeled and minced

    Shawarma Sauce:

    • 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt
    • 1 clove garlic - minced
    • 1 ½ tbsp tahini
    • ½ tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp dried dill - or 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • Pinch of black pepper

    To Serve:

    • 4 flatbreads - warmed
    • 1 Romaine lettuce - shredded
    • ½ red onion - peeled and thinly sliced
    • 8 cherry tomatoes - sliced into quarters
    • ¼ cucumber - sliced into rounds, then again in quarters

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • First marinate the chicken. Place the chopped chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the rest of the shawarma ingredients.
    • Mix together, then cover and place in the refrigerator for an hour (or up to overnight).
    • When you're ready to prepare the shawarma, place a cast iron griddle on the hob to heat up.
    • Place the chicken pieces on the griddle and cook for 6-10 minutes - turning a couple of times until slightly charred on the outside cooked through in the middle. (see notes for alternative cooking methods)
    • Whilst the chicken is cooking make the shawarma dressing by mixing all of the shawarma dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
    • Place the flatbreads onto serving plates and divide the lettuce, red onion, tomatoes and cucumber between them.
    • Place the cooked shawarma on top, then drizzle over the shawarma sauce.
    • Roll up the flatbreads and serve.

    Video

    ✎ Notes

    No Griddle Pan? 
    You can also:
    • Fry the shawarma pieces in a hot, lightly oiled frying pan (skillet) for 6-10 minutes, turning regularly until cooked through.
    • Grill (broil) on a tray under a hot grill for 8-10 minutes - until cooked through. Brush with a little oil before placing under the grill (as using a grill dries the chicken a little more than frying/griddling) and turn once, halfway cooking.
    • Place the chicken on skewers, and barbecue for 8-10 minutes, turning a couple of times during cooking, until cooked through.
    Can I make it ahead?
    Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance (up to a day ahead) and make the sauce a couple of days ahead too. Make sure they're covered and refrigerated until ready to use.
    The chicken does taste better straight off the griddle, but you can cook it ahead it you want to, then quickly cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a day.
    You can eat the chicken cold in a salad or flatbread/pita, or you can reheat it by wrapping in foil in a single layer, and heating in the oven at 190C/375F for around 20 minutes or until piping hot throughout.
    Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
    Chicken thighs are better at standing up to high heat cooking - like that on a griddle or bbq - whilst staying juicy. However you can replace with chicken breast pieces if you prefer.
    Try to ensure you don't overcook - as the chicken may become dry. But do ensure it's cooked throughout and no longer pink in the middle.
    Nutritional Information is per serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 55gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 217mgSodium: 554mgPotassium: 877mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1179IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 4mg
    Keywords pita, summer recipe, wrap
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!
    This recipe was first posted in February 2015 as a salad recipe. Updated in May 2020 as a Shawarma wrap recipe plus new photos, video and tips. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More
    « How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
    Quick Chicken Stir Fry »

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Jenny says

      March 16, 2022 at 4:55 pm

      Have this marinating right now. Just realized I am marinating it in the wrong stuff because I thought it was like other recipes with a yogurt based marinade. 😂

      Reply
    2. Janet says

      March 05, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      Good recipe and great introduction!!

      Reply
    3. Angela says

      November 03, 2021 at 5:35 am

      Hello,
      I made this tonight for dinner and it was incredible! I have never had this before and am thoroughly delighted by this recipe! Very easy to make and assemble. Will be making this again!
      Thank you
      P.S. Can't wait to try some of your other recipes!

      Reply
    4. Carol says

      August 17, 2021 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe many times. I grill the chicken in a bbq pan. I’ve also started using the sauce as a regular dipping sauce for fresh veggies or keto fritters.

      Reply
    5. Claire says

      February 18, 2021 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      Also added some feta cheese, delicious

      Reply
    6. OLIVIA says

      November 23, 2020 at 11:46 am

      den er god

      Reply
    7. Sal Khan says

      June 11, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      Will be trying these tonight for sure.

      Do you think the leftover chicken could be kept in the freezer for a week or so? Or would it significantly impact the flavour?

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        July 22, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Hi Sal,
        The chicken does taste better straight off the griddle, but you can cook it ahead it you want to, then quickly cool, cover and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it by wrapping in foil in a single layer, and heating in the oven at 190C/375F for around 20 minutes or until piping hot throughout.

        Reply
    8. Anne says

      May 30, 2020 at 2:02 am

      5 stars
      Just made the chicken Shawarma tonight. We grill the chicken thighs and then cut them up. I followed your recipe exactly and it was amazing. My only thing was the marinade needs more salt....I ended up salting the thighs after they cooked. Other than that it was DELICIOUS!!! We also made home made flat bread. SO GOOD! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Chris Corbishley says

        May 30, 2020 at 6:47 am

        So glad you enjoyed it Anne

        Thanks

        Chris & Nicky

        Reply
    9. Adele says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:21 pm

      5 stars
      I made these at the weekend and they are delicious, so tasty and something different. I cooked the chicken in my new Airfryer and they only took a few minutes.
      Another fab recipe from you

      Reply
      • Chris Corbishley says

        May 27, 2020 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks Adele,

        So happy to hear that you're enjoying the recipes 🙂

        Thanks

        Chris & Nicky

        Reply
    10. janice meldrum says

      May 26, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty and simple to make.

      Reply
    11. Eleanor says

      June 06, 2018 at 6:06 am

      5 stars
      Marinated the chicken last night, ready for our monthly girly get together lunch today. I know everyone is going to love this.

      Reply
    12. Angela says

      February 18, 2015 at 11:57 pm

      Leek and mushroom gratin looks delicious! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        February 19, 2015 at 4:47 pm

        Thanks Angela, let me know how you get on 🙂

        Reply
    13. dishofdailylife says

      February 17, 2015 at 12:16 am

      Love this salad recipe...it looks wonderful! It's definitely going on the menu! Pinning and yumming so I can try it. Found you on Foodies Online and very glad I did!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        February 19, 2015 at 4:42 pm

        Thanks Michelle 🙂 I love connecting through G+, it's one of the social media tools I'm just getting to grips with. You have a great blog!

        Reply
    14. Georgina says

      February 13, 2015 at 6:10 am

      Hi Nicky, we connect on G+, I always enjoy your recipes. Love this spicy chicken salad, so easy and quick to make and at the same time it is something different to bring to the family table!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        February 13, 2015 at 10:56 am

        Thank you Georgina. Yes, I'm following you on G+. Love your pictures - so bright and airy. Those 'cuddled prawns' look sooo good!

        Reply
    15. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

      February 11, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      This salad looks so incredibly delicious - and beautiful too. I always make salads for dinner during the week so the recipe is just ideal. Thanks for sharing it!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        February 13, 2015 at 10:48 am

        Thanks Thalia. You are healthy! I love a good salad - so long as it's got a couple of naughty ingredients in there too 🙂

        Reply

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