Flavor-Packed Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Spice Lovers

Sizzling aromas of middle eastern street food waft through the kitchen with this incredible spiced grilled chicken shawarma recipe that promises authentic flavors.

Tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of warm spices delivers a mouthwatering experience.

Marinating transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece bursting with zesty notes.

Each bite transports you to bustling markets and vibrant food stalls across the region.

Layers of complex spices create a harmonious dance of flavors that elevate this classic dish.

The marinade infuses the chicken with deep, rich seasonings that guarantee a memorable meal.

Serve alongside warm pita, fresh salad, and creamy tzatziki to complete this delectable feast.

Let’s find out this shawarma recipe and savor every spectacular bite of this irresistible culinary journey.

How to Serve Spiced Grilled Chicken Shawarma

• Flavor-Packed Platter: Arrange the grilled shawarma chicken on a large serving plate with a colorful medley of fresh herbs, sliced cucumbers, and vibrant tomatoes for a stunning presentation that bursts with Mediterranean vibes.
• Middle Eastern Wrap Adventure: Stuff warm pita bread or soft lavash with sliced shawarma chicken, drizzle with creamy tahini sauce, add crisp lettuce and pickled vegetables for a handheld meal that's packed with exciting flavors.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Create a satisfying rice bowl by layering fluffy basmati rice, topped with sliced shawarma chicken, garnish with chopped parsley, a dollop of yogurt sauce, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for added crunch and richness.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Transform the grilled chicken into a light and refreshing salad by slicing it over crisp mixed greens, tossing with cucumber, red onion, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.

Storage Advice for Leftover Chicken Shawarma

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individual portions separately to maintain optimal moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Slice or chop leftover chicken and freeze in sealed freezer bags for quick future meals. These frozen portions stay delicious for 3 months and work perfectly in salads, wraps, or quick lunch bowls.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple chicken batches during weekends to streamline weekday cooking. Portion out marinated and cooked chicken into convenient containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner solutions.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated shawarma gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore its original juiciness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the tender meat, ensuring each bite remains flavorful and succulent.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Spiced Grilled Chicken Shawarma

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully and grills with succulent texture, ensuring juicy results.

• Fresh Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Bright citrus juice tenderizes meat and adds zesty punch, while olive oil helps spices cling and creates smooth, even coating.

• Garlic, Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Ground Cloves, Cayenne Pepper, Fine Salt: Robust spice combination that delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile, with each spice contributing warm, complex depth and gentle heat. Select freshly ground spices for maximum flavor intensity and choose high-quality, fragrant varieties to elevate the shawarma's taste. Adjust cayenne for personalized spice level.

Tools for Grilling Spiced Chicken Shawarma

• Large Ziplock Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken and sealing in all those delicious spices.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving those mouthwatering char marks and smoky flavor.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal alternative for stovetop cooking, creating a crispy exterior.
• Baking Sheet: Great for oven-baking method, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature and ensuring safe cooking.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping chicken and moving it around during grilling or cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and handling raw chicken safely.

Instructions for Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Spices

• Marinade Magic

Whip up a vibrant blend of Mediterranean spices that will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure. The secret lies in creating a harmonious dance of aromatic seasonings that penetrate deep into the meat’s core.

• Resting and Absorption

Allow the chicken to soak up all the incredible flavors by letting it rest in the refrigerator. This patient waiting period lets each spice whisper its essence into every fiber of the meat, promising a taste explosion.

• Cooking Canvas

Choose your preferred cooking method – whether you’re firing up the grill, heating a skillet, or warming the oven. Each technique offers a unique texture and character to your shawarma.

• Temperature and Timing

Cook the chicken until it reaches a perfect golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature. Watch for those gorgeous caramelized edges that hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

• Serving Celebration

Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing. This moment allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulently tender and packed with robust Mediterranean flavors.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Shawarma on the Grill

• Double or triple the marinade ingredients to create extra sauce for drizzling over finished chicken or as a dipping sauce for sides.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or firm tofu for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your personal spice tolerance.
• Serve shawarma wrapped in warm pita bread, over fragrant rice, or atop a fresh Mediterranean salad for versatile meal presentations.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro just before serving to add brightness and additional layers of fresh flavor to the grilled chicken.

Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean street corners inspire this zesty Chicken Shawarma with bold spices dancing across tender meat. Marinated, grilled, and served with warm pita, you’ll savor layers of authentic flavor from Lebanon’s culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tsps ground cumin
• 4 tsps ground coriander
• 2 tsps fine salt
• 2 tsps black pepper
• 2 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with spice mixture inside a sealed container, ensuring complete coverage of the meat with aromatic seasonings.
2. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate marinated chicken for 1-8 hours, allowing spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, with longer marination enhancing overall flavor profile.
3. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F), creating optimal conditions for achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
4. Moisture Removal: Delicately blot chicken with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, promoting enhanced browning and preventing steaming during cooking.
5. Cooking Process: Grill chicken thighs directly on hot grates, rotating once to ensure even cooking, achieving golden-brown exterior and reaching internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – approximately 8-10 minutes total.
6. Alternative Cooking Methods: Options include stovetop preparation in cast iron skillet or oven-roasting at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, maintaining consistent cooking technique and flavor intensity.
7. Resting Phase: Allow cooked chicken to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling natural juice redistribution and maximizing meat’s tenderness before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Longer marination (up to 8 hours) intensifies flavor complexity and tenderizes chicken thighs more effectively.
• Pat Dry for Perfection: Remove excess marinade moisture with paper towels to achieve beautiful caramelized exterior and crispier texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature hits 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Grill, skillet, or oven-bake depending on kitchen equipment and personal preference without compromising delicious shawarma taste.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 305 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg