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Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right into your kitchen with tender, marinated chicken grilled alongside warm pita and drizzled with garlic yogurt sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts thighs stay juicier
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt for best creaminess
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
  • 4 garlic cloves minced (rough-chopped if you like bigger garlic bursts)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but adds depth
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon Juice of one lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 4-6 large pita breads or flatbreads whole wheat works too
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices until smooth. The color should be a warm sunset orange. This combo helps tenderize the chicken and infuses all those Middle Eastern spices.
  • Trim excess fat, then slice chicken into 1-inch strips. Toss pieces in the yogurt-spice mix, ensuring each strip is well coated. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight for maximum flavor (you know what? Overnight really amps up the taste).
  • Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. If using a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and let it shimmer. You want a hot surface to get those signature charred edges.
  • Shake off excess marinade and place strips on the grill or skillet in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Watch for flare-ups and move pieces around to avoid burning.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes—this keeps juices locked inside. Slice against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  • Briefly grill or toast pitas for 30 seconds each side. They should puff slightly and develop light brown spots. This step makes them more pliable for wrapping.
  • Lay pita flat, add a handful of chicken strips, drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce (or tahini), sprinkle with parsley, and fold. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and pickles on the side.

Notes

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, use plain yogurt strained through cheesecloth for 15–20 minutes.
Keyword Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Grilled Chicken, Mediterranean Cuisine
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