If you’re craving something flavorful, juicy, and irresistibly spiced, this Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe in Minutes! is exactly what you need. You don’t need a vertical rotisserie or fancy restaurant tools — just a simple skillet, oven, or grill. With a few pantry spices and tender chicken, you can make this Middle Eastern favorite at home in under 30 minutes!
Let’s dive into the magic of shawarma — bold flavors, tender meat, and that unforgettable aroma that turns any meal into a feast! 🧡
🌍 What Is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made from thinly sliced marinated meat that’s slow-cooked on a rotating spit. Traditionally, it’s served in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies.
Our homemade version captures that same authentic taste — using easy-to-find ingredients and a quick-cooking method that brings all the flavor in a fraction of the time!
🧄 Fun Fact: The word shawarma comes from a Turkish word meaning “to rotate,” referring to the way the meat spins and cooks on a spit.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how simple this Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe is!
🧂 For the Chicken Marinade
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
🥙 For Serving
Pita bread or flatbread
Garlic yogurt sauce (see below)
Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles
🧄 Tip: Chicken thighs are best for shawarma — they stay juicy and flavorful even when cooked quickly!
🧄 Quick Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the rich shawarma spices.
Ingredients:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Chill in the fridge while the chicken cooks.
🔥 How to Make Homemade Chicken Shawarma
🕒 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices.
Add chicken and coat evenly in the marinade.
Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for extra flavor).
🍋 Quick Tip: The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken while the spices soak in — making it extra juicy.
🍳 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can cook shawarma three easy ways: skillet, oven, or grill.
Option 1: Skillet (Quick & Easy)
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice thinly once slightly cooled.
Option 2: Oven-Baked
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Broil for 2 minutes for crispy edges.
Option 3: Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
Slice and serve hot.
🔥 Flavor Boost: Drizzle a bit of the leftover marinade over the chicken during cooking for an extra burst of spice!
🌯 Step 3: Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps
Now comes the fun part — assembling your delicious wraps!
Warm up pita or flatbread.
Spread a layer of garlic yogurt sauce.
Add sliced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
Roll it up or fold it taco-style.
🥙 Pro Tip: For a crispy wrap, toast it briefly on a dry pan after rolling — it seals everything together beautifully.
🍴 Delicious Sides to Pair With Shawarma
Make it a full Middle Eastern feast with these simple sides:
Couscous or Rice Pilaf – a light, fluffy base for your shawarma.
Hummus – creamy chickpea dip that’s a perfect pairing.
Tabbouleh – a refreshing parsley and bulgur salad.
Roasted Vegetables – add color and crunch to your plate.
🌿 Serving Idea: Turn it into a “shawarma bowl” by serving over rice with veggies and extra sauce on top!
🧊 Storing & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze: Store cooked chicken in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until hot — add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavor.
🥶 Meal Prep Tip: Marinate extra chicken and freeze it raw — it’ll be ready to cook any time you crave shawarma!
🥗 Healthier Variations
You can easily make this recipe lighter while keeping all the flavor:
Use chicken breast instead of thighs.
Grill or bake instead of frying.
Serve in a lettuce wrap instead of pita.
Use low-fat yogurt for the garlic sauce.
💪 Nutrient Boost: Add grilled bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch and freshness.
🌯 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe
✅ Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✅ Big on Flavor – Spiced, juicy, and aromatic.
✅ Customizable – Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads.
✅ Healthy and Fresh – Packed with protein and Mediterranean goodness.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for lunches or make-ahead dinners.
🧡 Conclusion: Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe in Minutes!
With this Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe in Minutes!, you can bring the flavors of the Middle East right into your kitchen — no takeout required. Each bite is a perfect mix of juicy, spiced chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in soft pita bread.
Whether you cook it in a skillet, oven, or grill, this recipe guarantees authentic shawarma flavor in record time.
So grab your spices, fire up your pan, and enjoy your homemade shawarma feast — one wrap at a time! 🌯✨