This easy chicken shawarma recipe brings all the warm spices, juicy chicken, and delicious aromas of traditional street-style shawarma—without the long marinating time or special equipment. With just a few pantry spices and a hot skillet or oven, you can have dinner on the table fast.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast prep: Just mix, marinate briefly, and cook.
Authentic taste: Uses classic shawarma spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic.
Versatile: Serve in wraps, bowls, salads, or over rice.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken thighs (juicier) or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili powder (or cayenne for heat)
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon for signature warmth
For Serving
Pita bread or flatbread
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Lettuce or cabbage
Pickles
Red onions
Tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or yogurt sauce
🔥 How to Make Chicken Shawarma
Step 1 — Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips. This helps them cook faster and absorb more flavor.
Step 2 — Make the Shawarma Marinade
In a bowl, combine:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic
All spices
Mix well until it forms a thick, fragrant paste.
Step 3 — Marinate
Add chicken and coat evenly.
Let sit:
10–15 minutes for busy days
1–12 hours for richer flavor
Step 4 — Cook the Chicken
Option A: Stovetop (Fastest)
Heat a large skillet over medium-high.
Add chicken in a single layer.
Cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
Option B: Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
Spread chicken on a baking sheet.
Bake 18–20 minutes.
Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes to char the edges.
🌯 How to Serve Chicken Shawarma
Classic Shawarma Wrap
Layer onto warm pita:
Chicken
Garlic sauce or tahini
Lettuce
Tomato
Onion
Pickles
Roll tightly and enjoy!
Shawarma Rice Bowl
Serve chicken over rice with:
Cucumber
Corn
Yogurt sauce
Herbs
Shawarma Salad
A lighter option with:
Greens
Cherry tomatoes
Red onions
A drizzle of lemon tahini
💡 Tips for the Best Shawarma
Use thighs for maximum juiciness. They stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
Don’t skip the lemon. It tenderizes the meat and adds authentic tang.
Add cinnamon or allspice for deeper flavor.
Char = flavor. A little browning makes it taste like restaurant shawarma.
Warm the pita before serving. Makes everything softer and more flavorful.
🥫 Shortcuts for Super Busy Days
Use pre-sliced chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken with the spice blend.
Make a big batch of shawarma marinade and freeze in portions.
Pair with ready-made flatbreads, salad mix, and store-bought garlic sauce.
⭐ Conclusion
If you want a flavorful, fast, and satisfying meal, this easy chicken shawarma recipe for busy days is the perfect solution. With everyday ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy bold Middle Eastern flavors at home anytime.