✨ Introduction of Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern Street food that has found a passionate fan base across the world including in Pakistan! With its bold spices, juicy marinated chicken, and creamy garlic sauce all wrapped up in soft pita or flatbread, this street-style shawarma is the ultimate comfort food.
This recipe brings the authentic shawarma flavor home no rotating spit required! With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple stovetop or oven method, you’ll be making shawarma that rivals your favorite food stall.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Spice Level |
| 20 mins | 25 mins | 45 mins | 4 | Easy | Medium 🔥 |
Ingredients of Chicken Shawarma
For the Chicken Marinade:
* 500g of finely sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs
* 3 tbsp plain yogurt
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 3 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1½ tsp paprika
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp ground coriander
* ½ tsp turmeric
* ½ tsp ground cinnamon
* ½ tsp black pepper
* ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce:
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* 2 tbsp yogurt
* 2–3 garlic cloves (crushed)
* 1 tsp lemon juice
* Salt to taste
Extras for Serving:
* Pita bread or wraps
* Lettuce, tomato, onions (sliced)
* Pickles
* Fries (optional)
Detailed Instructions of Chicken Shawarma
1. Marinate the Chicken
* Create the base by blending yogurt, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl.
* Add sliced chicken and mix well.
* Refrigerate for at least two hours, ideally overnight, with a lid on.
2. Cook the Chicken
Option 1 – Pan Method:
* In a skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
* Cook the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 2 – Oven Method:
* Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
* Spread marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce
* Mix all of this like juice of Lemon and Mayo and salt as a test and garlic smashed in a bowl.
* Mix well until creamy. Chill before serving.
4. Assemble the Shawarma
* Warm pita bread or wraps.
* Spread garlic sauce on the base.
* Layer with chicken, veggies, pickles, and fries if using.
* Drizzle more sauce, roll, and serve!
Serving Suggestions
* Serve shawarma hot with extra garlic sauce and crispy fries on the side.
* Add pickled turnips or cucumbers for authentic flavor.
* Serve over salad or rice and omit the wrap to make it a shawarma bowl.
Nutritional Info (Per Shawarma: Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 400–450 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Shawarma recipe gives you restaurant-style results right at home. It’s flavorful, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether wrapped in pita or served on a platter, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails. Once you master it, you’ll ditch takeout for good.
