Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

This Chicken Shawarma recipe features an incredible marinade that infuses the chicken with exotic Middle Eastern flavors. Just a handful of everyday spices, garlic, a splash of lemon and olive oil transforms into the most incredible flavor. Serve in wraps with tomato, lettuce, and a simple yoghurt sauce, or with rice and salads on the side.

Ingredients

  • • 1 kg / 2 lb chicken thigh fillets , skinless and boneless (Note 3)
  • • 1 large garlic clove , minced (or 2 small cloves)
  • • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • • 1 tbsp ground cardamon
  • • 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 tsp to make it not spicy)
  • • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • • 2 tsp salt
  • • Black pepper
  • • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • • 1 cup Greek yoghurt
  • • 1 clove garlic , crushed
  • • 1 tsp cumin
  • • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • • Salt and pepper
  • • 4 – 5 flatbreads (Lebanese or pita bread orhomemade soft flatbreads)
  • • Sliced lettuce (cos or iceberg)
  • • Tomato slices
  • • Red onion , finely sliced
  • • Cheese , shredded (optional)
  • • Hot sauce of choice (optional)

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-5 servings

Instructions

  1. 1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken, seal, the massage from the outside to coat. Marinate for 24 hours (minimum 3 hours).
  2. 2. Combine the Yogurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required (it will last for 3 days).
  3. 3. Heat a large non-stick skillet with 1 tablespoon over medium high heat, or lightly brush a BBQ hotplate/grills with oil and heat to medium high.
  4. 4. Place chicken in the skillet or on the grill and cook the first side for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely charred. Turn and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. 5. Remove chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
  6. 6. Slice chicken and pile onto platter alongside flatbreads, Salad and the Yoghurt Sauce. To make a wrap, smear flatbread with Yoghurt Sauce. Top with lettuce, tomato and Chicken Shawarma. Roll up and enjoy!
Last updated: June 17, 2025 View Source