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A rotating spit of seasoned chicken shawarma being cooked to perfection.

Authentic Chicken Shawarma

A flavorful and tender chicken shawarma recipe with a rich spice blend, offering both skillet and oven cooking methods for a versatile and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt optional

Spice Blend

  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Coriander
  • 1 tbsp Paprika sweet or smoked
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Cardamom ground
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Cloves ground
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and slice each into 1/2-inch thick strips.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and optional yogurt.
  • Add all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper) to the liquid mixture and mix well to form a fragrant paste.

Marination

  • Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

Cooking (Skillet Method)

  • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken in a single layer, cook 5-7 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Cooking (Oven Method)

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange marinated chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked and slightly charred.

Finishing

  • Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing or roughly chopping to lock in juices.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider grilling the chicken for a smoky taste. Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a garlic sauce or tahini. The optional yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy note. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.