People | Food | Culture

Chicken Shawarma

ByAva
Published OnSep 23, 2024
Updated OnMar 16, 2026
2 Comments

Chicken Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that involves marinating chicken in a blend of spices and then grilling it or cooking it on a vertical rotisserie. Fortunately, for this recipe, you won’t need a vertical rotisserie or an open fire; a grill pan or a regular frying pan will work just fine.

Thin slices of roasted chicken are shaved off and served on Arabic flatbread or pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables, tahini, garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, and pickles. This delightful dish is popular throughout the Middle East, including Iran and Turkey.

The word “Shawarma” is derived from the Turkish term “çevirme,” which means to turn or rotate on a vertical rotisserie. In the 19th century, the Turks began seasoning meat and stacking it in layers on these rotating spit roasters. This development ultimately led to the creation of the döner kebab. As more people moved into cities, it became increasingly impractical to have an open fire in urban areas or restaurants.

What do you need to make Chicken Shawarma?

Coriander powder, Cumin powder, Paprika powder, Salt and White Pepper, Garlic cloves, Olive oil and Lemon Juice, Chicken thighs, Arabic wrap.

Chicken Shawarma features a blend of spices. Fresh garlic cloves provide a savory aroma. Olive oil and lemon juice add a tangy burst of acidity. For the protein, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which work well for this recipe. To complete the meal, serve it with Arabic bread or pita bread for a delicious experience. Shawarmas are popular throughout the Middle East and are made with a variety of condiments and vegetables. It is also common to add French fries, which truly enhances the dish. This Chicken Shawarma recipe pairs well with the following suggestions: Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Fried Chips Seasonings and Red Cabbage & Carrot Slaw.

Instructions

Start by placing the washed chicken in a bowl, ensuring to pat it dry. Add olive oil, followed by your choice of spices and minced garlic. The chicken will develop a vibrant red and brown color.

Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the chicken marinate in the spices. This step is crucial, as it significantly enhances the flavor of your Chicken Shawarma.

Next, place the marinated chicken in a fry pan or grill pan. Set the temperature to medium-high and cook for 8 to 9 minutes on each side. Once cooked, you can either slice the chicken or leave it whole to add to your wrap.

To assemble your wrap, start by adding the Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Fried Chips, Red Cabbage Slaw, and the grilled chicken. Fold the wrap tightly and enjoy.

Today, chicken shawarma is enjoyed worldwide. While the rotisserie technique is still common in restaurants and shawarma shops, many home cooks many home cooks have adapted this classic dish to suit their own kitchens by choosing grilled or roasted chicken as a more convenient alternative. Grilling creates a smoky flavor and a slight char, this enhances the taste of the chicken. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma?

Apart from the recommended necessities, such as yogurt, garlic sauce, French fries (try our French fry seasoning), and Red cabbage & carrot slaw. You can serve Chicken Shawarma with Smoky Paprika hummus, Marinated Olives, Sumac Onions, and Tabbouleh.

How to Store Chicken Shawarma?

Store the grilled chicken in an airtight container. Do not incorporate the vinaigrette into in the Red Cabbage & Carrot Slaw. Keep the Garlic Yogurt sauce in its own container. French fries can be fried on the day or reheated on a fry pan. Everything should last two to three days in the fridge.