Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
Easy Chicken Shawarma is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed meal ready in under 40 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the marinade for maximum flavor. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup for Cozy Dinners and Easy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for Quick Dinner.
Why This Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout
- Crispy and juicy chicken
- Packed with flavor
- Easy and quick
What You'll Need for Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp shawarma spice blend
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Pita bread
- Optional: Tahini sauce
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomato
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Shawarma spice blend: You can find this at Middle Eastern markets or make your own with a mix of paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, and cinnamon.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill Pan — Gives perfect char marks for that authentic shawarma flavor → See on Amazon
- Food Processor — Makes quick work of mincing garlic and herbs for the marinade → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, and spices. Add chicken and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve: Slice chicken and serve on pita bread with your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- : For a quicker marinade, use a food processor to blend the ingredients together.
- : To make ahead, marinate the chicken and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Storing & Reheating Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier shawarma, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Best substitution: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender meat.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is sticking to the grill pan, it's not hot enough. Preheat it for a few more minutes before adding the chicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp shawarma spice blend
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pita bread
- Tahini sauce
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, and spices. Add chicken and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve: Slice chicken and serve on pita bread with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier shawarma, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Best substitution: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender meat.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is sticking to the grill pan, it's not hot enough. Preheat it for a few more minutes before adding the chicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes FAQs
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F but no more.
Yes, cook the marinated chicken at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
Yes, chicken thighs will be more tender and can be used as a substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
