As lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine, we are always on the lookout for the best chicken shawarma recipes. With its succulent chicken, bold spices, and flavorful marinade, chicken shawarma is a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive party dish, chicken shawarma is always a great choice.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best chicken shawarma recipes that we have come across. From authentic Middle Eastern recipes to creative twists on the classic dish, we have something for everyone. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, we’re confident that you’ll find a recipe that you’ll love. So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of chicken shawarma and discover some delicious new recipes!
1) Classic Chicken Shawarma
When it comes to chicken shawarma, the classic recipe by Feel Good Foodie is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe features tender and juicy chicken marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin, paprika, and coriander. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is perfect for those who love traditional Middle Eastern flavors and want to experience the authentic taste of chicken shawarma. It’s a simple and easy recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. Get Recipe.
2) Spicy Garlic Shawarma
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, then this Spicy Garlic Shawarma recipe by RecipeTinEats is perfect for you. The combination of garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a deliciously spicy marinade that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
This Spicy Garlic Shawarma recipe is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends and family. The bold flavors are sure to impress and leave you wanting more. Get Recipe
3) Lemon Herb Shawarma
If you’re looking for a chicken shawarma recipe that’s bursting with flavor, then you’ll love this Lemon Herb Shawarma by Worthy Pause. This recipe features tender chicken that’s marinated in a blend of garlic and herbs and served with a lemon herb yogurt sauce giving it a zesty and refreshing taste.
This Lemon Herb Shawarma is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or for a delicious lunchtime treat. With its bright and zesty flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Get Recipe
4) Yogurt Marinated Shawarma
Yogurt-marinated chicken shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern dish that is loved by many. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices used in the dish.
Once marinated, grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve the chicken with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
This yogurt-marinated chicken shawarma recipe from Food Network is a great place to start. Get Recipe
5) Honey Mustard Shawarma
If you’re a fan of honey mustard, then you’ll love this Honey Mustard Chicken Shawarma recipe by Nadiya’s Kitchen. The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard pairs perfectly with the warm spices of shawarma seasoning.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or for meal prep for the week ahead. It’s also a great option for entertaining, as it’s sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor combination. Get Recipe
6) Mediterranean Shawarma
If you’re looking for a chicken shawarma recipe with a Mediterranean twist, then look no further than this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish. This recipe uses a blend of shawarma spices, olive oil, and lemon juice to marinate the chicken, which is then grilled to perfection.
The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for stuffing into pita bread with your favorite toppings. We love to top ours with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s healthy and packed with protein, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat clean. Get Recipe
7) Cilantro Lime Shawarma
For those who love the freshness of cilantro and the tanginess of lime, this Cilantro Lime Shawarma recipe by The Salad Whisperer is a must-try! This recipe combines the traditional Middle Eastern spices with a zesty twist, making it a perfect summer meal.
To serve, we recommend wrapping the chicken in warm pita bread and topping it with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of the cilantro yogurt sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible!
If you’re looking for a refreshing and delicious twist on the classic shawarma, definitely give this Cilantro Lime Shawarma recipe a try. Get Recipe
8) Pineapple Teriyaki Shawarma Bowls
For a sweet and tangy twist on the classic chicken shawarma, try this Pineapple Teriyaki Shawarma Bowls recipe by Recipe Runner. The juicy pineapple chunks add a burst of tropical flavor to the savory chicken, while the teriyaki sauce brings a rich umami taste to the dish.
This Pineapple Teriyaki Shawarma recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The marinade can be made ahead of time, so all you need to do is grill or bake the chicken when you’re ready to eat. Plus, the leftovers make a great lunch the next day. Get Recipe
9) Smoky Paprika Shawarma
For a twist on traditional chicken shawarma, try this smoky paprika version from Allrecipes. We love the depth of flavor that the smoked paprika adds to this marinade. To make this recipe, start by marinating chicken thighs in this heavenly mixture of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and lemon juice. Let the chicken marinate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When you’re ready to cook, grill or pan-fry the chicken until it’s nicely charred on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Serve the chicken with your favorite toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and a dollop of yogurt sauce.
This smoky paprika shawarma is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. We recommend serving it with warm pita bread or over a bed of rice. Get Recipe
10) Tandoori Chicken Shawarma
For a fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, try this Tandoori Chicken Shawarma recipe by Good Food. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, tandoori spice mix, and lemon juice, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with the traditional shawarma toppings.
This Tandoori Chicken Shawarma recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. You can add more spice or adjust the level of heat to your liking. Get Recipe
History of Chicken Shawarma
Origins and Cultural Significance
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has become a global sensation. The origins of shawarma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was initially made with lamb meat. Over time, the recipe evolved, and chicken became a popular alternative to lamb.
The word “shawarma” is derived from the Turkish word “çevirme,” which means “turning.” This refers to the way the meat is cooked, with a vertical rotisserie slowly turning the meat as it cooks. This cooking method is said to have originated in Turkey, but it quickly spread to other parts of the Middle East.
Shawarma has significant cultural significance in the Middle East, where it is often eaten as a street food. It is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is often served with a variety of accompaniments, including hummus, tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and pita bread.
Evolution of the Recipe
Over time, the recipe for chicken shawarma has evolved to include a variety of different spices and seasonings. In addition to the traditional spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, many recipes now include additional spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and sumac.
The cooking method has also evolved, with many recipes now calling for the chicken to be marinated before cooking. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and makes it more tender and juicy.
Today, chicken shawarma is enjoyed around the world, with many different variations of the recipe. It has become a popular street food in many cities, and it is also commonly found on the menu at Middle Eastern restaurants. Whether you prefer it with traditional accompaniments or with a modern twist, there is no denying that chicken shawarma is a delicious and beloved dish.
Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma
Nutritional Profile
Chicken shawarma is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet. It is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells in the body. A 3-ounce serving of chicken shawarma contains about 22 grams of protein, which is about 44% of the recommended daily intake for adults.
In addition to protein, chicken shawarma is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals. For example, it contains vitamin B6, which is important for brain function and the production of red blood cells. It also contains iron, which is important for healthy blood and energy production.
Healthy Cooking Tips
To make chicken shawarma even healthier, there are a few cooking tips that you can follow. First, choose lean cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and garlic, to add flavor without adding extra salt or sugar.
When cooking the chicken, try grilling or baking it instead of frying it to reduce the amount of added fat. You can also serve chicken shawarma with a variety of healthy toppings, such as fresh vegetables, hummus, and tzatziki sauce, to add extra nutrients and flavor to the dish.
Overall, chicken shawarma can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet when prepared with lean cuts of chicken and healthy cooking methods.
Pairing Chicken Shawarma with Sides
When it comes to pairing chicken shawarma with sides, there are plenty of options to choose from. The right side dish can complement the flavors of the chicken and enhance your overall dining experience. In this section, we’ll explore some popular side dishes and beverage pairings that go well with chicken shawarma.
Popular Side Dishes
Here are some popular side dishes that pair well with chicken shawarma:
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Its rich and nutty flavor pairs well with the Mediterranean spices in the chicken shawarma.
- Tabouli: A vibrant salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, onions, and a zesty lemon dressing. It adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the meal.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky dip made from eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Its creamy texture and bold flavor complement the spices in the chicken shawarma.
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A quick condiment for a boost of flavor. The cooling nature of the yogurt pairs impeccably with the spices of the meat. As for the garlic, it pulls all the flavors together. Serve this as a dip or drizzle it on top.
- Roasted Cauliflower: A simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken shawarma. The taste is slightly nutty, and the texture is soft and tender. To elevate this dish, try roasting the cauliflower in garlic and olive oil.
Beverage Pairings
Here are some beverage pairings that go well with chicken shawarma:
- Lemonade: A refreshing drink that complements the tangy flavors of the chicken shawarma.
- Iced Tea: A classic beverage that pairs well with the bold spices in the chicken shawarma.
- Beer: A cold beer can be a great way to balance out the heat of the chicken shawarma. A light lager or pilsner works well.
- Red Wine: A fruity red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, can complement the flavors of the chicken shawarma.
- Mint Tea: A hot or cold mint tea can be a refreshing beverage that pairs well with the spices in the chicken shawarma.
When it comes to pairing chicken shawarma with sides and beverages, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds. With these popular side dishes and beverage pairings, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
