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Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma


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4.8 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Amy Dong
  • Total Time: 35 minutes plus marinating time
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Traditionally cooked on a rotating spit, this homemade chicken shawarma version is oven-roasted and finished under the broiler for that signature crispy, charred edge.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dry Rub:

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Chicken:

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (do not use breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Spice Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry spices until well combined.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix to form a thick paste.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut each thigh into quarters for better seasoning coverage and crispier edges.
  3. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the spice paste.
  2. Use tongs or clean hands to evenly coat each piece with the marinade.
  3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

  1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the upper middle position.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with foil and arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring no pieces overlap.
  4. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through.

Step 5: Slice & Broil

  1. Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it into thin strips.
  2. Spread the slices evenly back onto the baking sheet.
  3. Broil on high for 7–10 minutes, until the edges are crispy and browned.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve immediately with pita bread, basmati rice, hummus, or a fresh salad.
  • Garnish with cilantro, red onions, pickles, or garlic sauce.

Notes

Why Use Chicken Thighs? Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

Marination is Key: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

How to Get Crispy Edges: The final broiling step mimics the charred effect of traditional shawarma.

Make it Spicier: Increase cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Serving Suggestion: Wrap in warm pita with tzatziki, hummus, lettuce, and tomatoes for a classic shawarma wrap.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Oven Roasting
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 180g
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg