Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Irresistible

Chicken Shawarma is one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell like a bustling Middle Eastern market. The rich blend of spices, paired with tender, juicy chicken, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The dish is full of bold flavors like cumin, turmeric, and paprika, which blend perfectly with the tanginess of lemon juice and the warmth of cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying it on pita with fresh toppings or as a shawarma plate, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first came across this delicious recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you all. The simplicity and full-bodied flavors blew me away, and I knew it would be the perfect recipe for any night of the week. So today, I’m bringing you my take on this incredible Chicken Shawarma recipe that will transport your taste buds.

Cultural Origins and Fun Facts

Shawarma is a popular street food throughout the Middle East, especially in countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel. Traditionally, shawarma is made by stacking marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie, where it slowly cooks and is shaved off as it browns. While you may not have a rotisserie at home, this oven-baked version perfectly mimics the texture and flavor of authentic shawarma, thanks to the delicious marinade and broiling method.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is what gives shawarma its signature flavor, so be sure to taste and adjust to your liking.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and sliced onion to the bowl, tossing well to coat everything evenly. For the best results, cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. The longer it marinates, the more those delicious flavors soak in!
3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken and onions on a large baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking. For extra crispy edges, broil the chicken on high for the last 2-3 minutes.
4. Slice and Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin shawarma-style pieces. Serve it on warm pita bread with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and garlic sauce. You can also plate it with rice, salad, and hummus for a complete meal.

Pro Tips:

• Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, try adding a touch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
• Dietary Variations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if served with rice or a gluten-free wrap. You can also make it dairy-free by skipping the yogurt-based garlic sauce, opting for a tahini or olive oil-based dressing instead.
• Cooking Tip: If you don’t have an oven, this recipe can also be made on the grill for a slightly smoky flavor.

Pairing Suggestions:

Chicken Shawarma pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside tabbouleh, a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad, or even a creamy hummus dip. For drinks, a chilled glass of mint lemonade complements the bright spices of the shawarma.

I hope you love this easy Chicken Shawarma recipe as much as I do! If you give it a try, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Be sure to follow me for more delicious recipes, and don’t forget to check out Insanely Good Recipes for more inspiration!