Chicken Shawarma Recipe | Easy Baked Chicken Shawarma

This Baked Chicken Shawarma recipe is a perfect solution for any busy weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor, made with budget-friendly ingredients, and on your dinner table in only 30 minutes after the meat is fully marinated!

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Chicken Dish

• It’s flavorful. This super simple chicken recipe is marinated in the most spectacular blend of spices that will leave you wondering why you ever settled for underseasoned food.
• You can make it on a budget. Your wallet will thank you for this incredibly affordable meal made from juicy, tender chicken thighs.
• A great weeknight meal. Let the chicken thighs marinate overnight and then pop them in a pan and bake in 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner.

Whether you want a meal that packs a punch or simply want something that can be made with minimal effort for busy nights, these baked chicken shawarma thighs are going to be your new go-to dinner solution.

What The Heck Is Shawarma?

This dish is a flavor explosion wrapped up in a warm, comforting hug. Traditional chicken shawarma is tender slices of marinated meat slowly cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is shaved off in thin, juicy strips.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a way to cook it with this traditional method. Luckily, you can recreate these delicious flavors in the comfort of your own home with a few ingredients and your oven!

Where Does Shawarma Come From?

The short answer is the Middle East. But if you’re looking for a more detailed explanation, read some more about where it originated below:

Shawarma is a popular street food originating from the Middle East. Its roots can be traced back to the Levantine region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria.

The concept of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie (the way that traditional shawarma is prepared) is ancient, but modern shawarma as we know it became popular in the 19th century during the Ottoman Empire.

What Is Chicken Shawarma Made Of?

• Chicken Thighs– Chicken thighs are preferred for shawarma because they are more flavorful and juicier compared to chicken breasts. Their higher fat content ensures the meat remains tender and moist during the marinating and cooking process.
• Olive Oil– Used in the marinade to help coat the chicken evenly with the spices and to aid in the absorption of flavors. It also helps in keeping the chicken moist while cooking and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Lemon Juice– Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the marinade. It acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the protein fibers in the chicken to make it more tender. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Spices– The key to the distinct flavor of shawarma. Cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a complex, aromatic, and slightly smoky flavor profile that defines shawarma. They are mixed into the marinade to infuse the chicken with their vibrant flavors.

The combination of these ingredients marinates the chicken. It gives deep flavors, ensuring that the cooked shawarma is juicy, tender, and packed with the characteristic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

How To Make Baked Chicken Shawarma

Combine all of the ingredients and marinate. Place the chicken thighs, olive oil, and spices in a large zip-top bag or airtight container. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Consider marinating it overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Bake. Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently shake off any excess. Place the thighs in a baking dish. Bake the marinated chicken breasts at 400F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Sear for flavor and texture. For an extra punch of flavor and texture, place the fully cooked shawarma chicken thighs into a skillet with a small amount of olive oil. Sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side until it develops a lovely dark brown color. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces against the grain of the meat.

Serve and enjoy! Serve your baked chicken shawarma with lemon rice, pita, tzatziki, and red onion for a delicious meal.

Tips And Tricks

While the flavors in this recipe may be unfamiliar, the techniques for cooking this recipe shouldn’t be anything new. Check out these tips and tricks before you get started for a fuss-free cooking experience:

• Don’t skip the marination. Marinating the chicken in the robust combination of spices is what helps pack in the flavor. Allow time to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before baking. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight.
• Use a meat thermometer. To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. It should reach 165F. Use care not to over bake. This could result in dry chicken.
• Double the recipe. The flavor of this baked chicken shawarma is utterly addictive. Double the recipe for leftovers that are so delicious your family will fight over them.

Variations

I absolutely love these flavorful baked chicken thighs the way that the recipe is written, but your taste buds may prefer a slightly different twist. Here are some ideas to switch up the flavors to make it perfect for your family:

• Make it spicy. Add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper or a shake or two of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Switch up the protein. Consider swapping the chicken for slices of sirloin steak or thinly sliced leg of lamb for a perfect protein.
• Add veggies. Try serving chicken shawarma with a variety of roasted vegetables for a more nutritious meal. Roasted cauliflower, eggplant, or even cherry tomatoes add a lovely healthy bite.

What To Eat With Chicken Shawarma

If you’re unfamiliar with Middle Eastern cuisine, and the flavors that pair well together, check out these tasty dishes that will round out the perfect flavor-packed meal:

• Lemon Rice
• Red Onion
• Tzatziki
• Pita
• Hummus

How Long Does It Last?

Chicken Shawarma is great for making ahead and enjoying for lunch leftovers or a flavorful and filling dinner for busy weeknights.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Check out the freezing recommendations below if you won’t be able to finish your chicken before it spoils in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze any chicken shawarma that you may not be able to enjoy within 3-4 days.

Place the chicken shawarma in a freezer-safe container and date it. The cooked chicken thighs will last up to 6 months when kept in the coldest part of your freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat them, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a few tablespoons of water and turn occasionally until warmed through.

More Craveworthy Chicken Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
• Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
• BBQ Chicken Nachos
• Cajun Chicken Alfredo
• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

If you love this Baked Chicken Shawarma recipe as much as our family does, make sure you share it on social media so your friends can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it next time you’re craving a flavorful chicken thigh recipe.