Authentic & Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Wraps & Iftar

Okay, let’s talk about Chicken Shawarma—the ultimate Middle Eastern street food that you need in your life. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with warm spices, this Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe is a total game-changer for busy moms like me who want something delicious but not complicated. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy spit or special equipment—just a good Chicken Shawarma Marinade and a hot pan.

Every year during Ramadan, I find myself making more Ramadan Recipes Iftar Snacks Easy because, let’s be real, after a long day of fasting, we need something quick, filling, and packed with flavor. This Spicy Chicken Shawarma wrapped in soft Shawarma Bread is one of my go-to Iftar Recipes. It’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it’s a hit with my whole family. My kids love it in a Shawarma Sandwich, and I love piling it onto a platter with rice, salad, and a big bowl of Mint Raita.

If you’re looking for Ramadan Food Ideas that’ll impress your family without keeping you in the kitchen forever, this is it. Whether you’re planning an Iftar Platter, need Quick Recipes Snacks, or just want to know How to Make Shawarma at Home, I got you! Plus, if you’re into Chicken Shawarma Photography, trust me, this dish is as pretty as it is delicious.

So let’s get into How to Make Shawarma At Home—this one’s gonna be a keeper for both Ramzan Cooking Ideas and year-round Dinner Recipes.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (thighs are more flavorful and juicy than breasts)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (helps tenderize the chicken)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Shawarma Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

For Serving

• Pita bread or wraps
• Cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce
• Garlic sauce or tahini

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add the olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Mix everything together until you have a thick, golden marinade that smells incredible.

Add the chicken thighs and coat them really well. Use your hands if you have to—the goal is to get every piece fully covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Since most of us don’t have a giant shawarma spit in the kitchen, here are a few easy ways to cook it:

• Pan-frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the chicken for about five to six minutes per side until it’s charred and cooked through.
• Oven-baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. For crispy edges, broil it for the last two minutes.
• Grilling: If you’re using a grill, preheat it and cook the chicken for six to seven minutes per side until you get nice grill marks and the inside is fully cooked.

3. Rest and Slice

Once the chicken is done, let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside so the chicken stays tender. Slice it into thin strips, just like the shawarma you’d get from a restaurant.

4. Assemble Your Shawarma Wrap

Now for the best part—building the wrap. Warm up a pita, add a generous amount of sliced chicken, and top it with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce. Drizzle on some garlic sauce or tahini, wrap it up, and enjoy.

How to Serve It

• Classic Wrap: Stuffed into warm pita with all the toppings.
• Shawarma Plate: Served over rice with hummus, pickles, and a side of fries.
• Bowl Style: Skip the bread and serve over greens, rice, or quinoa for a lighter option.

Mom Pro Tips

• Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Let the chicken marinate as long as possible—overnight if you can.
• Cook it over high heat to get those crispy, caramelized edges.
• Make extra because leftovers are amazing for meal prep or quick lunches.

FAQs: Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe brings bold Middle Eastern flavors right to your kitchen. Juicy, spiced chicken is marinated, cooked until perfectly charred, and served in warm Shawarma Bread or over rice with your favorite toppings. Perfect for Iftar Recipes, Ramzan Cooking Ideas, or a quick family dinner.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Fareeha

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Juice of lemon
• 1and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Shawarma Spice Mix:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For Serving:

• Pita bread or wraps
• Cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce
• Garlic sauce or tahini

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for the best flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

• Pan-fry: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
• Oven-bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For crispy edges, broil for the last two minutes.
• Grill: Preheat the grill and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until nicely charred.

Rest and Slice:

• Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Assemble the Wrap:

• Warm the Shawarma Bread, fill it with chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of garlic sauce or tahini. Wrap it up and serve.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with Mint Raita, hummus, or pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
• Pair with rice or fries for a complete meal.
• Ideal for Ramadan Special Recipes, Iftar Dishes, or a quick and flavorful dinner.

And there you have it—your very own Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe made right at home. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just a simple Shawarma Chicken Marinade that gives you that bold, smoky, Middle Eastern flavor in every bite. Whether you wrap it up in soft Shawarma Bread for a perfect Chicken Shawarma Wrap, stuff it into a warm Shawarma Sandwich, or serve it on a platter with rice and a side of Mint Raita, this dish is always a win.

I love how versatile this recipe is. Need a quick meal for a busy weeknight? Boom, you got a go-to Dinner Recipe. Looking for something fun for your Ramadan Food Iftar Table? This fits right in with all your favorite Iftar Dishes. Want a new favorite for your Ramzan Cooking Ideas? Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it over and over again.

And if you’re into Chicken Shawarma Photography, get your camera ready—this one looks just as good as it tastes. The juicy, spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy garlic sauce all wrapped up in that soft Shawarma Bread Recipe? Yeah, that’s the kind of Shawarma Food that deserves a spotlight.

So next time you’re wondering How to Make Shawarma at Home, this is it. It’s one of those Middle Eastern Recipes that’s actually easy, totally delicious, and perfect for everything from Ramzan Iftar Recipes to a last-minute lunch. Whether you like it classic or you’re in the mood for Spicy Chicken Shawarma, this one’s gonna be a family favorite.

Alright, time to get cooking! And if you’re making this for Ramadan Recipes Iftar Snacks Easy, don’t forget to double the batch—because let’s be real, one wrap is never enough.