Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and a fragrant mix of Middle Eastern spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Grilled to perfection, the chicken turns juicy with a slightly charred exterior. Perfect served warm with pita bread, rice, or salad, and customizable with garlic sauce, hummus, or pickled vegetables, this dish makes for a delicious and authentic Middle Eastern main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches an appropriate temperature to cook the chicken evenly and develop that signature slightly charred exterior.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated surface. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through, juicy, and has a nice charred finish.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips.
- Serve: Serve the sliced chicken shawarma warm with accompaniments such as pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Optionally, add toppings like garlic sauce, hummus, or pickled vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can bake the marinated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a simple oven-cooked alternative.
- Shawarma is excellent for meal prep—store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
