If you’ve ever craved the rich, flavorful taste of authentic chicken shawarma, you’re in the right place. This chicken shawarma recipe authentic will take you step-by-step through making this beloved Middle Eastern street food right in your own kitchen.
From marinating the chicken to preparing the perfect garlic sauce, we’ve got every detail covered to bring those savory spices and tender textures straight to your plate.
What is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from marinated chicken slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Thin slices of chicken are stacked and cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with a slightly smoky taste. Traditionally served in pita bread or flatbreads, it is often topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces such as garlic sauce or tahini.
Why This Recipe is Authentic
This recipe uses traditional Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and sumac, which are key to achieving that authentic shawarma flavor. The marinade also includes yogurt and vinegar to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy, aromatic notes. Finally, we cook the chicken on a skillet or grill to replicate the charred exterior you’d get from the classic rotisserie method.
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Shawarma
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (for juicier meat)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (helps tenderize)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickled turnips or cucumbers
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Garlic sauce (toum) or tahini sauce
Step-by-Step Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and all the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, sumac, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until everything is blended into a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Alternatively, you can thread the chicken onto skewers and grill them outdoors for a smokier flavor.
Step 4: Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain. This mimics the traditional shawarma slices.
How to Make Garlic Sauce (Toum) for Shawarma
A classic shawarma isn’t complete without garlic sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable or sunflower oil
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend garlic and salt until finely minced.
- Slowly drizzle in oil in a steady stream while blending continuously.
- Alternate with lemon juice slowly to emulsify the sauce.
- Continue until the sauce thickens to a creamy, mayo-like consistency.
How to Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Warm your pita or flatbread on a skillet or oven.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
- Add a layer of sliced chicken shawarma.
- Top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Optionally, drizzle more garlic sauce on top.
- Roll up the pita tightly and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma at Home
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat.
- Marinate overnight if possible to maximize flavor.
- Cook on high heat to get a nice caramelized crust.
- Add sumac if you can find it — it adds a unique tangy flavor essential to authentic shawarma.
- Serve with fresh, crunchy vegetables and tangy pickles for the perfect contrast.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap chicken for beef or lamb for different shawarma styles.
- Use whole wheat pita or lavash for a healthier option.
- Try serving shawarma over rice or in a salad bowl for a low-carb alternative.
- Add spicy chili sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Making authentic chicken shawarma at home is easier than you might think and infinitely rewarding. With a fragrant marinade, juicy chicken, and creamy garlic sauce, this recipe brings the rich flavors of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, chicken shawarma is always a crowd-pleaser.
Complete Chicken Shawarma Recipe Summary
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 2 lbs |
| Plain yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 4 (minced for marinade) |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| White vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground coriander | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground allspice | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Sumac | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Pita bread | As needed |
| Garlic sauce (toum) | For serving |
| Fresh vegetables | As desired |
