🌯 Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy!
🧆 Introduction
Chicken shawarma is one of the most loved Middle Eastern street foods, now popular all over the world—and for a good reason! This flavorful dish features juicy, well-spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with garlic sauce, fresh veggies, and tangy pickles. Whether you're enjoying it on the go or making it at home for family dinner, chicken shawarma always hits the spot.
The word “shawarma” comes from the Turkish word “çevirme,” which means “turning.” Traditionally, shawarma is made on a vertical rotisserie where layers of meat rotate and cook slowly. But don’t worry—this homemade version gives you all the authentic flavor without any fancy equipment. It’s perfect for busy home cooks, food bloggers, and recipe lovers who want real taste with simple ingredients.
This recipe is freezer-friendly, easily customizable, and packed with protein and flavor—ideal for lunch, dinner, or even party platters.
📝 Ingredients (with detailed notes)
🍗 For the Chicken Marinade:
500 g boneless chicken thighs or breast (thinly sliced)
3 tbsp yoghurt—tenderises and adds creaminess
1 tbsp lemon juice—adds tang and helps balance flavor
2 tbsp olive oil—helps keep the chicken juicy
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp paprika – adds subtle smoky flavor
1 tsp red chilli powder—adjust for spice level
½ tsp turmeric—for color and earthiness
Salt to taste
3 garlic cloves, crushed – adds deep aroma
1 tsp garam masala or shawarma spice mix
🥣 For Garlic Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp thick yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Salt to taste
(Optional: Add 1 tsp tahini for authentic Lebanese flavour.)
🌯 For Assembly:
Pita bread or Lebanese wraps
Lettuce or cabbage (shredded)
Tomatoes (thinly sliced)
Onion rings (optional)
Pickled cucumbers or carrots
Extra garlic sauce
🔥 Instructions (Step-by-Step with Tips)
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight for deeper flavor. The yogurt and lemon juice will make the meat tender and flavorful.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high flame. Add chicken slices and cook for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and golden-brown. Make sure the chicken is slightly charred—that gives the shawarma its smoky flavor. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
Warm your pita bread or wrap. Spread a layer of garlic sauce, then add chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Drizzle more sauce and wrap tightly. Serve with fries or extra salad.
📦 Freezing & Storage Tips
Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight bag.
Cooked chicken shawarma can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks.
Always store garlic sauce separately and make fresh veggies when assembling.
Never freeze fully assembled wraps—they’ll become soggy.
🔁 Reheating Instructions
Reheat cooked chicken on a skillet or in a microwave with a splash of water or a few drops of oil to keep it moist.
Avoid overcooking again to prevent drying.
Always assemble wraps fresh after reheating for best taste and texture.
🧠 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make it with beef or lamb?
Yes! Use thinly sliced beef or lamb and follow the same marinade and method. Cooking time may increase slightly.
Q: What can I use instead of pita?
Tortillas, naan, or even homemade parathas work great as wraps.
Q: Is garlic sauce necessary?
It’s traditional and delicious, but you can also use hummus or plain mayo if you prefer.
Q: Is it spicy?
You can control the spice by adjusting the red chili powder. For kids, reduce the amount or skip it.
Q: Can I make it without yogurt?
Yes, use extra lemon juice and a spoonful of cream or milk to balance the marinade texture.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve shawarma with a side of French fries, tabbouleh salad, or roasted veggies.
Cut into halves and serve on a party platter with dips.
Make a shawarma bowl by skipping the bread and serving chicken over rice or couscous with salad and garlic sauce.
🧂 Variations to Try
Spicy Shawarma – Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the marinade.
Cheesy Shawarma—Add mozzarella or cheddar before wrapping.
Low-carb version—Skip the bread and use lettuce wraps instead.
Air-Fryer Shawarma—Cook chicken in the air fryer at 180°C for 15 minutes.
📊 Nutrition (Per Wrap, Approximate)
Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2 g
(Note: Values vary by ingredients and serving size.)
🏁 Final Thoughts
Chicken shawarma is more than just a wrap—it’s a flavor-packed experience! With a few basic ingredients and a little marinating time, you can create a restaurant-style shawarma at home that’s fresh, healthy, and completely satisfying.
Whether you're running a food blog like Pakistani Kitchen or cooking for family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 💛
🍽 Try These Next!
👉 Love bold flavors? Don’t miss our Chicken Tikka Recipe—spicy, smoky, and perfect for BBQ nights!
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