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Prep Time: 15 mins (+ marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins (+ marinating)
Servings: 4-6
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Main Course

This Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Bold, aromatic spices for authentic flavor
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔️ Customizable—adjust the heat and toppings
✔️ Great for meal prep—marinate ahead and grill when ready

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast if preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Shawarma Sauce

• 1½ cups plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving

• 8 pita breads (or flatbreads)
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• (Optional: pickles, cucumbers, tahini, or hummus)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs, coating evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (best overnight) for maximum flavor.

2. Make the Shawarma Sauce

• In a bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Refrigerate until serving.

3. Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
2. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
3. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

4. Assemble the Shawarma

1. Warm pita bread on the grill or in the oven.
2. Spread sauce on each pita.
3. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and chicken slices.
4. Drizzle with more sauce, wrap, and serve!

Tips for the Best Shawarma

🔹 For extra tenderness, marinate chicken overnight.
🔹 No grill? Use a skillet or air fryer (400°F for 12-15 mins).
🔹 Make it spicier with extra Sriracha or chili flakes.
🔹 Vegetarian option? Swap chicken for grilled cauliflower or chickpeas.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover chicken & sauce separately for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Marinated chicken (uncooked) freezes well for 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in a pan or microwave before serving.

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Final Thoughts

This homemade Chicken Shawarma is even better than takeout—juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh toppings. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or parties!

Try it and let us know in the comments!