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
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
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry spices until well combined.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix to form a thick paste.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Cut each thigh into quarters for better seasoning coverage and crispier edges.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the spice paste.
- Use tongs or clean hands to evenly coat each piece with the marinade.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the upper middle position.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil and arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring no pieces overlap.
- Roast for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through.
Step 5: Slice & Broil
- Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it into thin strips.
- Spread the slices evenly back onto the baking sheet.
- 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