Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Easy Chicken Shawarma is the ultimate dinner solution. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy chicken and creamy garlic sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe and Easy Aloo Keema Recipe with Ground Meat and Potatoes.
Why This Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken coated in warm spices
- Creamy garlic sauce for dipping
- Better than takeout, ready in 30 minutes
What You'll Need for Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Sliced red onion
- Optional: Diced tomatoes
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time mincing garlic and spices. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the best crispy sear. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
- Marinate: Combine chicken, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook: Cook chicken in a hot skillet until crispy and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice: Slice chicken thinly against the grain.
- Serve: Serve chicken with garlic sauce and desired toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain a high heat and prevent steaming.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken dry before cooking.
- Pro tip: Make the garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Let the pan heat up before adding the chicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced red onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Marinate: Combine chicken, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook: Cook chicken in a hot skillet until crispy and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice: Slice chicken thinly against the grain.
- Serve: Serve chicken with garlic sauce and desired toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Let the pan heat up before adding the chicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Turkey or tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner 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!
