Homemade Chicken Shawarma

This Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern classic. It features juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a tangy, spicy yogurt sauce in soft pita bread, making it the perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Marinade – A combination of garlic, spices, and lemon makes the chicken irresistible.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level with more or less Sriracha.
• Healthy & Satisfying – Lean protein and fresh vegetables in every bite.
• Quick – Marinate and grill in under an hour for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Shawarma:

  • 8 pieces pita bread
  • 3 cups shredded lettuce
  • 4 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate.
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing into strips.
4. Assemble the Shawarma: Warm pita bread. Spread the sauce on each pita, then top with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
5. Serve: Serve immediately, either wrapped or open-faced.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pita and a yogurt-based sauce with no mayonnaise.
• Add More Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra crunch.
• Spicy Version: Increase Sriracha or add cayenne pepper to the marinade for heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken in a pan or microwave. Keep sauce chilled.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful when grilled.

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes! A grill pan works perfectly on the stovetop.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe is a flavorful and fun dish to make at home. With a simple marinade, quick grilling, and creamy sauce, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering!

Homemade Chicken Shawarma

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• Author: Paula
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe brings Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen with juicy grilled chicken, a tangy yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables in soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick, customizable, and healthy dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for an authentic shawarma experience.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shawarma:

• 8 pieces pita bread
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 4 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken:
  In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

• Prepare the Sauce:
  In another bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until ready to use.

• Grill the Chicken:
  Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

• Assemble the Shawarma:
  Warm the pita bread. Spread the yogurt sauce on each pita, then top with grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro.

• Serve:
  Serve immediately, either wrapped or open-faced.

Notes

• For a lighter version, swap out the pita for whole wheat and make a yogurt-based sauce without mayonnaise.
• Feel free to add more veggies, like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives, for extra crunch.
• To make it spicier, increase the amount of Sriracha or add cayenne pepper to the marinade.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Middle Eastern
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern