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chicken shawarma recipe

Savory Chicken Shawarma Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Fun

This chicken shawarma recipe captures vibrant flavors and tender juiciness, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marination Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • - Oven
  • - Mixing bowl
  • - Baking sheet
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with neutral oil
  • 1 whole Lemon, juice only Fresh lemon juice preferred
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust quantity if using regular salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Can use ground coriander for a twist
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Can substitute with white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Can be substituted with curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional but recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust according to spice tolerance
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Chicken breasts can be substituted

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Can use plant-based yogurt for dairy-free option
  • 1/2 whole Lemon, juice only
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with lighter oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional

For Serving

  • 4 pieces Pitas, warmed Whole grain or gluten-free pitas can be used
  • 2 cups Chopped Romaine Any salad greens can substitute
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved Diced cucumber can be a low-carb substitute
  • 1 cup Cucumber, thinly sliced Pickled vegetables can add tang

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, spices, and chicken. Let marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat baking sheet with cooking spray and toss onion slices in marinade.
  • Bake: Place tray in oven and bake until chicken reaches 165°F (30-40 minutes). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  • Make Yogurt Sauce: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Adjust flavors to liking.
  • Assemble: Serve sliced chicken in warmed pitas, topped with fresh veggies and spoonfuls of yogurt sauce.

Notes

Optional: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword chicken shawarma recipe, easy shawarma, healthy shawarma, homemade shawarma, meal prep, Weeknight Dinner