Many are in search of an Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma recipe. Well, this one is definitely worth your time! it is an absolute crowd-pleaser that your guests and loved ones will find hard to resist!
Tender grilled chicken pieces, infused with aromatic spices and marinated to perfection in a delectable yogurt marinade, is sizzled to golden perfection before being finally assembled in wraps with silky garlic sauce and tangy pickles.
This mouth-watering chicken shawarma recipe is meant to become a staple in your dinner rotations!
A Meal with a Burst of Colors!
Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Originally a must-try street food in the Middle East, Lebanese Shawarma has become a popular go-to food worldwide. It’s a simple wrap made with juicy pieces of marinated chicken (or beef) left to marinate overnight or for at least 6 hours in a blend of flavorful spices and seasonings.
This authentic dish captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine, delivering a harmonious blend of smoky char and rich seasoning.
Elevate your cooking experience with this easy shawarma recipe, that guarantees a delectable and memorable dining adventure.
If you are a fan of beef, then don’t miss out on my Tender Middle Eastern Style Beef Shawarma recipe.
Shawarma Success Story
This authentic Middle Eastern chicken shawarma is honestly my favorite recipe of all kinds. It took my mom and I a really long time to tweak and perfect the recipe, along with the method of prepping and cutting the chicken, to achieve an authentic taste and look close to traditional Arab shawarma shops.
So, when we had people over, we would prepare this delectable shawarma recipe, and they would really love it to the point where they would encourage us to sell it. Ultimately, we catered chicken shawarma to the entire community.
Every Bite Is a Burst of Flavors!
Ingredients
To make this delicious easy chicken shawarma recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breast: Use fresh, good-quality chicken breast to get tender juicy chicken shawarma. Rinse the chicken breasts well and remove the excess fat and skin. Chicken thighs work as well but cook time will vary.
Spices: To marinate the chicken breast, you will need the following spices: Aleppo pepper, shawarma spices, paprika, ginger powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Olive oil: Add olive oil to dilute the heat of spices and get a hearty Mediterranean flavor.
Yogurt: The key factor to tenderizing chicken much more gently and effectively than regular marinades is to add yogurt.
Mayo: Mayonnaise will add fat, salt, and acidity to the chicken shawarma marinade.
Fresh garlic: Add finely minced fresh garlic for a huge kick of flavor to the shawarma marinade. You can also use garlic paste instead.
Tortilla wrap: The star of the shawarma sandwich is the bread you use to wrap it in. In the Middle East, people usually use Shrak bread. Since I didn’t have any at the time, I served shawarma in Tortilla wraps.
Pickles: For a yummy tangy flavor, you will need to pair your authentic chicken shawarma with Middle Eastern cucumber pickles and turnip pickles.
Scroll for the entire recipe details and instructions.
Steps to Prep the Best Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
First, make slits into full chicken breasts.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, add the spices and ingredients of the shawarma marinade (Aleppo pepper, chicken shawarma spices, olive oil, yogurt, mayo, salt, minced fresh garlic, paprika, ginger powder, garlic powder, black pepper). Mix until all combined. Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge.
After that, cook the marinated chicken shawarma covered in a pan on medium heat until cooked through.
Next, set aside for 5 minutes before thinly slicing each chicken breast.
Then, layer your shawarma wraps by spreading garlic sauce on the tortilla and then adding the cut chicken on top.
Last but not least, add more garlic sauce and diced pickles.
Finally, roll the chicken shawarma pita up like a burrito and press it in a panini press or on the stove until golden. Enjoy!
I’d have to say the best review I received is from my 3-year-old, who claims that my chicken shawarma is literally his favorite food!
Save This Recipe!
Substitutions for This Arabic Style Shawarma
Pita Bread or Shrak (Markook) Bread: This recipe uses Tortilla bread to wrap the chicken goodness. However, one of the most popular ways to serve shawarma sandwiches in the Middle East is in Shrak bread, also known as Markook bread, or in traditional pita bread. So, choose any bread you have available to enjoy these thin strips of aromatic chicken.
Chicken Thighs: Instead of using only chicken breast in this recipe, you can use thighs. However, you must know that the cooking time varies between the two.
Avocado Oil: If you do not have olive oil to dilute the heat of the spices, you can use avocado oil or any other neutral oil instead.
Best Ways to Serve Shawarma
Apart from its traditional sandwich form, you can serve this family-favorite in various ways! Read on for some new ways to serve up shawarma.
The Chicken Shawarma Platter: Of course, it would be a game-changer to include shawarma side dishes like warm pita bread alongside crunchy French fries, fresh coleslaw, pickles, and a zesty Garlic Sauce – Middle Eastern Toum.
Shawarma with Different Dips: Embrace the versatile nature of grilled chicken shawarma by pairing it with an array of dips and sauces, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a tangy tahini sauce. Or, serve the chicken shawarma wrapped tightly in your bread of choice and dip them into the sauce or dip of your choice!
Shawarma with Roasted Veggies: Enrich your chicken shawarma experience by pairing it with an array of roasted fresh vegetables. Roast a vibrant medley of red onions, cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, carrots, or any preferred combination.
Shawarma Bowl: Another satisfying option is to pair homemade shawarma with a bed of rice pilaf, cooked quinoa, or a salad. Tabbouleh and Fattoush are the leading Middle Eastern salads that will enhance the flavor of any Arabic style chicken shawarma. Try my Chicken Shawarma Bowl for a hearty and balanced meal.
The Best Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Expert Tips
When you marinate chicken, make sure that it is well coated with the marinade.
It is better to marinate the chicken shawarma for 6-8 hours. The longer you marinate it, the juicier and more tender the shawarma will be.
Important tip: You marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours!
On the same note, don’t over-marinate because chicken breasts will break down.
The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Large chicken breasts take about 30 minutes of cooking time. However, smaller ones will need less cooking time.
Don’t overcook the chicken to avoid dry shawarma. Cook until the internal temperature of the breast is 165°F. Use an internal thermometer to measure the inside temperature.
For the best chicken shawarma, let the cooked chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly to allow the juices of the marinade to redistribute throughout the meat.
Cut the grilled shawarma chicken breasts thinly after cooking them. it is a clever way to keep chicken juicy!
Exotic Middle Eastern Flavors
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Chicken shawarma leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if they are placed in an air-tight container. Make sure to transfer the juices too along with the chicken pieces to the chosen container.
Freezing: Shawarma pieces can be frozen if they are stored in a proper container or freezer bag. Frozen shawarma can last for up to 2 months. However, allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: It is best to reheat shawarma in a skillet. You can add one or maximum two tablespoons of water or some olive oil, cover it, and heat over medium heat until the chicken is warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To make Middle Eastern chicken shawarma, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. In my recipe, I used chicken breast. I just love how easy it is to work with and how juicy the meat is after cooking.
Absolutely yes! However, you have to make sure that you defrost the chicken before marinating it so that the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
Absolutely! Instead of chicken, you can marinate firm tofu or even a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The same marinade and cooking methods apply to a tasty vegetarian alternative.
Must-Try Recipes:
Restaurant Style Butter Chicken (cheat version)
Palestinian Purslane Stew Recipe
Traditional Palestinian Musakhan Recipe
Bukhari Rice and Chicken (Ruz Bukhari)
Vodka Pasta Recipe Without Vodka
Viral Smashed Burger Tacos (Middle Eastern Style)
Santa Fe Chicken Salad With Creamy Chipotle Dressing
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 1 pound chicken breast
For the Marinade
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 1½ teaspoons shawarma spices any brand
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic or garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Tortilla or Shrak bread
- Pickled turnips
- Middle Eastern pickled cucumbers
Instructions
- Make slits into full chicken breasts.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the spices and ingredients of the shawarma marinade (Aleppo pepper, shawarma spices, olive oil, yogurt, mayo, salt, minced fresh garlic, paprika, ginger powder, garlic powder, black pepper). Mix until all combined. Marinate for a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge.
- Cook the marinated chicken shawarma covered in a pan on medium heat until cooked through.
- Set aside for 5 minutes before slicing each chicken breast thinly.
- Layer your shawarma wraps by spreading garlic sauce on the tortilla and then adding the cut chicken on top.
- Add more garlic sauce and the different diced pickles.
- Roll up like a burrito and press in a panini press or on the stove until golden. Enjoy!
Notes
- It is better to marinate the chicken shawarma for at least 6-8 hours. The longer you marinate it, the juicier and more tender the shawarma will be. You can marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours!
- Don’t overcook the chicken to avoid dry shawarma. Cook until the internal temperature of the breast is 165°F. Use an internal thermometer to measure the inside temperature.
- For the best results, let the cooked chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly to allow the juices of the marinade to redistribute throughout the flesh
This is the best shawarma ever. Better than any restaurant
my favorite shawerma recipe! better than any take out
Hands down the best ever !!!! You won’t find better at any restaurant… once you try this recipe you’ll be hooked 😋 &&& be sure to let marinate overnight for the best results tho!!
I make this shawarma every single week. It truly is the best
Loved this recipe!! One of the best I’ve made 😀
Had both the chicken & beef shawarma but couldn’t decide which I liked better! They were both so delicious and full of flavor! I loved the fact that they each had so much toppings yet I was still able to taste the glove of the chicken & beef individually.
*taste the flavor of the chicken & beef
LOVE the marinade, and I love the tips on cutting it after cooking!!! It definitely makes for a juicy shawerma and reminds me of all those shawerma shops in amman!!
I cant say I had authentic restaurant shawarma, but this recipe is wonderful!
tried it out for today’s dinner- and omg, this is the best recipe I have ever tried!!!
I miss summers in Jordan- mainly because of food (and family) and this is probably the best tasting homemade Shawarma ever. I even made the garlic sauce from the instagram! It definitely reminds me of Jordan ♥️
I totally recommend this recipe! It’s so good, easy to follow and tastes so delicious! 100% will make it again!
Okay so im skeptical at reviews even though the shawarma does actually look good. Well. This shawarma tastes amazing, and the reviews are spot on. I had to make it after you posted it on instagram. Thanks!!
marinated this thursday to have it friday night. Best. Recipe.Ever.
made this for a lunch gathering and everyone wanted the recipe! crazy delish
This recipe is marvelous!!! Well, actually this whole blog is marvelous!!!! totally fan of your dishes, I was shocked to try this shawarma!! Thank you soooooo muchhhhh 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
absolutely amazing
I live in a city that has a lot of shawerma shops but none of them compare to this. Absolutely delicious
احسن شاورما بيتية thumbs up
Had to make a few changes due to not finding some spices- but best shawwarma ever
Very authentic tasting recipe, added some cloves to the spice mix, very excellent and is just like shops in Amman. Excellent shawarma
The best shawarma recipe i have tried it’s mom and grandma approved too!! All my family requests me to make this atleast 3-4 times a month. Even the chicken marinade by itself is so good you can grill the chicken and eat it with fries/rice halal guy’s style!! I love love lovee this recipe <3
Yummiest shawarma recipe EVER!!! 👏❤️
Best recipe hands down. My kids loved it.
Seriously restaurants who? When u have this and actually know what’s in ur sandwich. Ya3teeki Alf 3afiya
Excellent recipe, I recently moved to a state that doesn’t have restaurants with good middle eastern food so I cook dishes as offen as I can, and having this recipe was very helpful for my shawarma cravings! Loved how it came out, the recipe was well written, definitely recommend!
Just made this tonight and we loved it!! Only different thing I did was cut up the chicken breast. Super thin then marinated it. And cooked it on a skillet without covering it on super high temp. It cooked very well and still was juicy!!
Yummmmm!! The best shawerma I’ve ever made. Thank you. I really trust your recipes whenever I want to cook your website is my go-to.
Marinated this for 2 days. BEST SHAWARMA EVER. Thats all.
I made enough for leftovers. There were no leftovers lol, it was that good
Had this today for the first time and i can honestly say this the best next to shawarma from jordan
Made the chicken shawarma today for dinner using boneless chicken thighs instead and can I say it was delicious. I know I can put faith and trust in any recipe she post. She has yet to disappoint. Love seeing what new she has to post on a daily. This is definitely a must try recipe.
My favorite recipe! So easy to make and delicious. I paid leftover chicken with rice and pickled turnips and garlic sauce for a makeshift chicken and rice. 10/10
Best shawerma ever, and the combination of the garlic sauce is just diving
BEST shawerma ever. Seriously. We dont ever have left overs
My mom made this and it was the best shawarma I have ever had! And I’m picky about my shawarma and have had it countless times.
My mom made this and it was the best shawarma I have ever had! And I’m picky about my shawarma and have had it countless times.
Stop-just stop looking for a shawerma recipe because THIS ONE IS THE ONLY ONE YOU NEED. It ruined restaurant shawermas for me.
I tried another bloggers recipes before this one and it doesn’t even compare. This one is PERFECTION.
We made this last week and oh my God it was literally better than any restaurant we tried. MashaAllah you are so talented
I made this shawarma recipe last Thursday, and it was the best!!! SO good! Thank you!!!
Tried this recipe out for my family and I can tell you they absolutely loved it! The flavours altogether were ‘chef’s kiss’ 🤌🏼
Amazing recipe ما شاء الله
Made it once and making it again tomorrow
Such a hit and very moist chicken
Love from the UK
This recipe is a keeper JazakAllah!!! I just need to work a little on the garlic sauce but still the shawarma cane out amazing! Again JazakAllah!
Yummiest shawarma recipe that i gave trued.. comes out better with chicken breast..
This was utterly delicious and so easy to make. I made it for a dinner party and it was a hit between my friends. Can’t wait to do it again.
ABSOLUTELY LOVE this recipe I make it all the time for my family and everyone can’t get enough. Thanks for the recipe it’s on rotation in our house. X
OMG, this recipe is amazing! I’ve been craving shawarma for weeks and this recipe did not disappoint. The flavors are so authentic and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. I can’t wait to make it again. Thank you for sharing!
Amazing recipe. Absolutely best. We made this chicken shawrma at home, and turned out much better than restaurant shawrmas. We also followed the recipe for the garlic sauce, and it also turned out so good like blew me away. I am no longer going to eat shawrma at the restaurants. The credit goes to falaasteen foodie you truly are an amazing chef. Hats off to you. I will rate this recipe 10/10.