Hi friends! Beatriz here from MommiesMore. Let’s be honest – feeding a family day in and day out can feel like a marathon, not a sprint! That’s why I’m all about sharing simple, comforting solutions that don’t leave you feeling like you need a vacation. And today? We’re diving headfirst into a family favorite: my easy chicken shawarma recipe.
It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and leaves you with minimal cleanup and maximum happy bellies. If you’re a busy mom looking for a dinnertime win, keep reading – this chicken shawarma recipe is about to become your new best friend!
I remember the first time I made this chicken shawarma recipe. It was one of those crazy weeknights, everyone was starving, and I had NO idea what to make. I stumbled upon a version online and thought, “Why not?” My kids, who are usually pretty picky, devoured it! It was the first time in a while I felt like I’d truly won the dinnertime battle. This chicken shawarma recipe is all about bringing that same kind of comfort and ease to your table.
It’s a recipe that has evolved over time, tweaked to perfection based on my family’s preferences (and my need for sanity-saving shortcuts!). I’ve learned that with a few key spices and a little bit of planning, you can create a chicken shawarma recipe that rivals your favorite takeout.
This recipe is all about family comfort and simplicity. It’s about creating those warm, comforting meals that everyone enjoys without spending hours in the kitchen. I want to show you that you can have a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table, even when life feels a little (or a lot!) chaotic. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Trust me, this chicken shawarma recipe is going to become a regular in your meal rotation.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
You will need the following ingredients for this easy chicken shawarma recipe:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or wraps, for serving
- Toppings: hummus, tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lettuce
This chicken shawarma recipe ingredient list is designed to be super simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! No need to hunt down fancy spices or ingredients. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
And don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. For example, if you’re out of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar works just as well in this comforting chicken shawarma recipe! This chicken shawarma recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.
My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of sumac to the chicken shawarma marinade. It gives it a nice, tangy flavor that complements the other spices beautifully. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Here’s a chicken shawarma recipe comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy pre-cut chicken thighs to save time. Every little bit helps, right? Plus, I like to double the shawarma spice blend recipe so I have it on hand for next time. It makes this chicken shawarma recipe even faster to throw together!
The best part about this chicken shawarma recipe is that you can adjust the spices to your family’s taste. If you have little ones who don’t like spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic. This authentic shawarma recipe is about making it your own!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Follow these simple steps for a comforting family dinner:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This is your chicken shawarma marinade, and it’s the key to that authentic flavor!
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Make sure every piece gets a good coating.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be. I usually aim for at least a few hours when I’m making this easy chicken shawarma.
- When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet for that extra crispy texture.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. In my busy kitchen, this comforting chicken shawarma recipe usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to cook, depending on how thick the chicken pieces are.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and slightly charred. Your chicken shawarma recipe should smell amazing by now – that’s how you know it’s almost ready!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps to keep it juicy and tender.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my chicken shawarma recipe – I would always overcrowd the pan! Learn from my experience and cook in batches for perfectly seared chicken every time. While your chicken shawarma recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
Here’s a chicken shawarma recipe comfort hack: If you’re short on time, you can also bake the chicken. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Don’t worry if your chicken shawarma recipe looks a little charred – that’s what gives it that authentic, smoky flavor! The most important thing is to make sure the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! While the chicken shawarma recipe is marinating, I like to chop up some veggies for the next day’s salads. It’s all about multitasking, right?
For another family favorite, check out this delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this comforting chicken shawarma recipe when I serve it with warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. They love building their own little shawarma wraps!
This chicken shawarma recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for weekend lunches or even a casual get-together with friends.
I like to toast the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes to make it extra crispy. It adds a nice textural contrast to the soft, juicy chicken and creamy sauces.
Here’s a chicken shawarma recipe presentation tip: Arrange all the toppings in separate bowls so everyone can customize their wraps. It makes it feel like a fun and interactive meal!
We often have leftovers, which are fantastic for lunch the next day. I love to add the leftover chicken shawarma recipe to salads or grain bowls. This comforting chicken shawarma recipe is super versatile!
During the summer, I like to grill the chicken for that extra smoky flavor. And in the winter, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a similar effect. More delicious ways to make the dish can be found at Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern) – RecipeTin Eats.
The last time I made this chicken shawarma recipe for my friend Sarah, she couldn’t stop raving about it! She said it was even better than her favorite takeout place. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper!
Another family favorite is Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe – try it for an alternative to chicken shawarma!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about making this chicken shawarma recipe:
Is this chicken shawarma recipe really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The chicken is packed with protein, and the toppings add plenty of fiber and nutrients. Plus, you can always add a side of rice or roasted vegetables to make it even more substantial. In my experience, my kids are always satisfied after a meal of this chicken shawarma recipe.
What if my picky eater won’t try this chicken shawarma recipe?
Don’t give up! Start by offering them a small piece of the chicken on its own, without any toppings. If they like the flavor, you can gradually introduce them to the other ingredients. You can even make it deconstructed, offering the pita, chicken, and toppings separately. This comforting chicken shawarma recipe is worth the effort!
Can I meal prep this chicken shawarma recipe for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving. This easy chicken shawarma is perfect for meal prepping!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this chicken shawarma recipe?
You can, but I highly recommend using chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy result. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. If you do use chicken breasts, be sure to cook them until just cooked through to avoid overcooking.
What are some other toppings I can add to this chicken shawarma recipe?
The possibilities are endless! Some other popular toppings include pickled onions, tahini sauce, hot sauce, and even French fries! I also love adding a dollop of baba ghanoush for extra flavor.
Is this authentic shawarma recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free pita bread or wraps. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze this chicken shawarma recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Can I make this shawarma spice blend recipe with more or less heat?
You can! The amount of cayenne pepper can be changed according to your preference. Find an alternative mix at Chicken Shawarma Seasoning – Perry’s Plate. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne; for a milder taste, omit it entirely. Also, you can find a BEST Homemade Shawarma Seasoning Recipe at BEST Homemade Shawarma Seasoning Recipe | Little Spice Jar.
If you enjoy chicken shawarma, you should also try my hearty Southwest Chicken Soup for dinner one night!
Final Thoughts:
This chicken shawarma recipe supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit with everyone. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick, satisfying, and comforting.
Here are my chicken shawarma recipe Comfort Hacks:
- Double the marinade: Make extra marinade and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use pre-cut veggies: Save time by buying pre-cut veggies for the toppings.
- Toast the pita: Toast the pita bread for a crispy texture.
Here are a few family-tested variations of this chicken shawarma recipe:
- My son loves it with extra hummus and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- My daughter prefers it with a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.
- My husband likes it with a side of roasted potatoes.
This chicken shawarma recipe is all about making it your own way! Feel free to experiment with different toppings, spices, and cooking methods to find what works best for your family. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! Happy cooking, friends! This satisfying chicken shawarma recipe is simple to make, and I hope you enjoy making this for your family and friends!
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chicken shawarma recipe
This homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection. Serve in warm pita bread with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pita bread, for serving
- Toppings: hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, lettuce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Warm the pita bread.
- Serve the chicken shawarma in pita bread with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking. You can also add a dollop of garlic sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.