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easy chicken shawarma

Easy Chicken Shawarma

This easy chicken shawarma brings together the bold, spiced flavors of the Middle East in a simple weeknight-friendly recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated, seared, and served with creamy yogurt and tahini sauces—perfect in wraps, bowls, or salads.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 460 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Zester or Grater
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tbsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1.5 tbsp grated cucumber
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Tahini Sauce

  • 2 tbsp tahini paste
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp water
  • 0.5 small shallot finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt and black pepper
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk all marinade ingredients. Add chicken thighs, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
  • Prepare the yogurt and tahini sauces in separate bowls by mixing all listed ingredients. Chill until serving.
  • Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear marinated chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred.
  • Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for a few minutes.
  • Slice chicken thinly across the grain. Serve with sauces in wraps, over rice, or on salads.

Notes

Try both sauces—they each bring something different. For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon over the top just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 32gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword Chicken Shawarma, easy dinner, Shawarma, Spiced Chicken
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