Best 6 Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the exotic flavors of authentic chicken shawarma, a Levantine dish that has captured hearts worldwide. Originating from the bustling streets of the Middle East, this delectable dish features tender chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The result is a succulent, flavorful chicken that can be enjoyed in various ways - wrapped in pita bread, piled high on a platter with rice and vegetables, or served as a sandwich. Explore our collection of carefully curated chicken shawarma recipes, each offering a unique culinary adventure. From the classic Lebanese-style shawarma to the piquant Iraqi version, you'll find a recipe that suits your palate and transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LEBANESE CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE



Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe image

Learn How to Make a Delicious Chicken Shawarma Recipe at Home Using Your Panini Grill.

Provided by Mama's Lebanese Kitchen

Categories     lunch     Sandwich

Time 12h25m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2.5 lbs boneless chicken (breast or thighs)
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
4 tablespoons plain yogurt
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 head garlic (pealed, crushed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon oregano (ground)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
6 loafs pita bread
4 tomatoes (grilled or roasted)
6 teaspoons Garlic Paste (Lebanese )
1/2 lb cucumber pickles (salty)
2 cups French fries

Steps:

  • Cut the chicken into thin slices of about 1/2 inch and place in a marination bowl.
  • To make the marinade, mix all dry and liquid ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend for a couple of minutes.
  • Add the marinate to the chicken bowl mixing well. Cover and let marinate in the fridge overnight.
  • When ready, grill the marinated chicken on a panini/George Forman grill for about 15 minutes on medium heat. You can also cook the chicken on a BBQ grill if so you wish.
  • Shred the cooked chicken thinly and set aside to make a bombastic sandwich.
  • Spread 1 teaspoon of Lebanese Garlic paste along the center/diameter of a pita bread.
  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken
  • Add salty cucumber pickles, some French fries, and some grilled tomatoes, roll and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 wrap, Calories 511 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 44 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 123 mg, Sodium 1037 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 4 g, UnsaturatedFat 14 g

LEBANESE CHICKEN SHAWARMA



Lebanese Chicken Shawarma image

Lebanese chicken shawarma is made with an amazing spice blend marinade, then the meat is stacked together and grilled until perfection is made.

Provided by Emily Ackerman

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

3-4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion
⅓ cup plain whole milk yogurt
1 lemon (juiced (¼ cup lemon juice))
2 ½ teas salt
2 teas Lebanese 7 spice (Baharat seasoning) (substitute ½ teas cinnamon, ½ teas black pepper, ½ teas cardamom, ½ teas cloves)
2 teas turmeric
2 teas cumin
2 teas paprika
1 teas cinnamon
2 teas coriander powder
½ teas cayenne pepper powder (more if you like spicy shawarma)
6 cloves garlic (minced)

Steps:

  • Mix together the yogurt, lemon juice and all of the ground spices and garlic together in a large mixing bowl
  • Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them in the marinade
  • Marinate the chicken for minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours
  • Roll each piece of chicken up tightly and skewer it with 2 skewers (see video)
  • Layer onion pieces between chicken either on the 2 skewers or with a 3rd skewer, whichever is easiest
  • Grill on medium to high heat for 30 minutes, turning periodically, until the chicken is cooked through
  • Cut the chicken into thin slices and serve on warm pita bread with shawarma sauce and desired toppings.

LEBANESE CHICKEN SHAWARMA



Lebanese Chicken Shawarma image

This is a flavorful chicken dish, which I first tasted at a little Lebanese restaurant. While normally shawarma is sliced off a rotisserie, it can be made at home with just a few changes. Be warned, it takes a day of prep time. For lunch, serve as a sandwich in warmed flatbread with cucumber sauce, sliced onion, and seeded tomato. For dinner, serve with rice and lentils (for a treat, look up mujadarrah on this site).

Provided by Christopher Walters

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Middle Eastern     Lebanese

Time 8h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

Steps:

  • Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl. Mix in chicken strips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to marinate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Remove chicken from the bowl and arrange in a single layer on a broiling pan. Discard excess marinade.
  • Broil chicken, turning once, until juices run clear, about 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365 calories, Carbohydrate 7.9 g, Cholesterol 132.9 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 51 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 479.9 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

AUTHENTIC CHICKEN SHAWARMA



Authentic Chicken Shawarma image

Seasoned with cloves, cardamom, and other secret ingredients, this authentic chicken shawarma will make your stomach growl and your house smell incredibly sweet! Not only is it insanely flavorful, fragrant, and delicious, but it also comes together in a flash!

Provided by Laila Benjelloun Bailey

Categories     Main Course

Time 6h35m

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 lb chicken breast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
3/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 garlic clove (crushed)
1/2 orange (juiced)
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice ((optional))
Pitas, Naans, or flatbreads ((warmed, or lightly toasted))
pomegranate molasses to taste ((I use 1/2 tsp per sandwich, but you may use more).)
Sweet gherkins or cornichons ((to taste))
tomatoes, french fries, etc.

Steps:

  • Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large deep bowl or a Ziploc® bag. Stir well and set it aside.
  • Cut the chicken breast into thin slices and add them to the marinade.
  • If you're using a bowl, use your hands to toss the chicken, making sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade. Toss your chicken again, and seal your bowl with a plastic wrap (aka cling film) to cover it.
  • If you're using a Ziploc® bag, you may close and massage the bag, making sure the chicken is coated and the marinade is well dispersed.
  • Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • Heat a grill pan (or cast iron pan) on medium-high for 3-5 minutes. There is no need to oil it because the marinade already has enough oil.
  • Place your marinated chicken on the grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked and has turned nicely brown.
  • Meanwhile, combine the mayo with garlic powder in a small bowl, and stir well with a fork until it's all combined.
  • If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you may add 1/2 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and stir well until smooth. Set the garlic sauce aside until the shawarma is ready to serve.
  • Spread 1 Tablespoon garlic sauce in the center of a warm pita. Place your chicken over the top, followed by sweet gherkins, tomato slices, or your favorite shawarma topping.
  • Top with more garlic sauce and drizzles of pomegranate molasses to taste; pomegranate molasses are strong, so you may need to start with 1/2 teaspoon and go from there.
  • Roll your wrap up, cover it with aluminum foil and serve it immediately. Enjoy!

SHAWARMA MARINADE FOR CHICKEN



Shawarma Marinade for Chicken image

Middle Eastern spices combine with olive oil and lemon juice to create a richly seasoned marinade for chicken. I love to use thighs, but it works for the white meat, too. Grill or broil your chicken, as you choose.

Provided by Bibi

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 medium lemons
⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Zest lemons until you have 1 tablespoon zest. Juice both lemons.
  • Combine lemon zest and juice with olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, salt, turmeric, pepper, and cinnamon in a glass jar. Seal jar with a lid and shake vigorously to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252.2 calories, Carbohydrate 7.3 g, Fat 25.9 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 780.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

CHICKEN SHAWARMA



Chicken Shawarma image

Awesome Lebanese sandwich served in most Lebanese restaurants. Can be served with Tahini sauce or Toum.

Provided by Wendy

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Middle Eastern     Lebanese

Time 4h50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

½ cup malt vinegar
¼ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon mixed spice
¼ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
½ cup tahini
¼ cup plain yogurt
½ teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
4 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced onion
4 cups shredded lettuce
8 pita bread rounds

Steps:

  • In a glass baking dish, mix together the malt vinegar, 1/4 cup yogurt, vegetable oil, mixed spice, cardamom, salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs into the mixture and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, 1/4 cup yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust flavors if desired. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Cover the chicken and bake in the marinade for 30 minutes, turning once. Uncover, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the dish, and cut into slices.
  • Place sliced chicken, tomato, onion, and lettuce onto pita breads. Roll up, and top with the tahini sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.2 calories, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 58.2 mg, Fat 15.2 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 420.3 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results.
  • Marinate the chicken thoroughly: Allow the chicken to marinate in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Cook the chicken over high heat: This will help to create a crispy, charred exterior while keeping the inside of the chicken juicy and tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures that it is cooked safely and thoroughly.
  • Serve the shawarma immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill or out of the oven, with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion:

Authentic chicken shawarma is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a mezze platter. With its tender, juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and crispy exterior, it's a popular dish for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you choose to make it on a skewer or in a pan, this recipe provides all the necessary steps and tips to create an authentic and delicious chicken shawarma at home.

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