Chicken Shawarma | Homemade Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern Food. It prepared by stacking slices of chicken pieces between skewers in a special rotisserie. The cooked chicken is shaved and then stuffed in Pita bread, along with Onion, Tzatziki Sauce, and other herbs.

Chicken Shawarma is one of my favorite street food. Lately, it gained popularity in India as well. Since then I am hooked to its taste. I am a great fan of shawarma. I will order a shawarma platter rather than a roll. So this platter has the stuffing separately. Along with 2 Pita bread and some pickled vegetables. Happily, my shawarma cravings are satisfied

Recently my kids also started liking shawarma and since then I'm making my homemade version. The only thing is we cannot grill the chicken as in the stores with a rotisserie. We bake the chicken and the taste matches. I am totally satisfied with my homemade Chicken Shawarma.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

No introduction is needed for this yummy street food. Over the years Shawarma gained popularity in every part of the world. It has juicy chicken pieces along with onion and a few pickled vegetables wrapped inside a Pita bread or kuboos. It is actually a lovely sight to see them slice the chicken from the vertical rotisserie.

Chicken Shawarma Rotisserie

The rotisserie they use for shawarma is a vertical one. Chicken is stacked in layers between them. The rotisserie keeps spinning. The chicken gets grilled and will cook on its own fat until tender and juicy. As and when needed using a knife they scrape the chicken prepare the fillings and then stuff in the Pita bread.

Chicken shawarma Spices

The spices that go into marinating the chicken are unique and flavorful. We have a wide variety of spices. Ok, so this is the secret ingredient and the spices are different from the regular.

Chilli Powder or Paprika Powder - Chilli powder or paprika powder has the soul and the base. It adds so much flavor. The paprika powder has a mildly sweet taste and a deep red color. Chili powder is hot and gives a fiery punch. So select any one as per your taste buds. If preparing for kids, I suggest paprika powder.

Coriander Powder - Coriander balances the taste and gives an earthy flavor.

Cardamom powder - Cardamom powder gives an excellent aroma and flavor to the chicken. It has almost a menthol like flavor.

Cumin Powder - It has a warm earthy citrus aroma that is mildly sweet and bitter.

Clove Powder - Clove has a subtle sweet flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the taste and gives warmth.

Cinnamon Powder - It has a woody flavor

Other spices - Other than the above goes the basic ginger garlic paste, Turmeric powder a dash of pepper powder, and Salt. These are basic. so these 10 spices form my secret Chicken Shawarma marinade.

Chicken shawarma seasoning

The Shawarma seasoning is the heart of the dish. You can marinate the chicken and refrigerate them overnight. The next day you can grill and keep the chicken ready until. It comes handly while assembling the shawarma.

Chicken shawarma sauce

The popular and the middle eastern Tzatziki sauce is usually spread on the pita bread while stuffing the chicken. Other than that you may also try Tahini or Hummus. You may also try mayonnaise if you do not have access to any of the above.

Chicken shawarma platter

Serving the shawarma in a platter is getting popular these days. The platter has cooked Chicken, Lettuce, Onion, Pickled Vegetables. along with this, they serve Tzatziki sauce, Mayonnaise. Pita bread comes separately they do not stuff the chicken. You can dine in like a roti.

FAQ on Chicken Shawarma

How to Prepare Chicken Shawarma

Prep the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl add in all the spice powders for Shawarma.

2. To this add in the chicken strips. Slice the Chicken breast pieces like thin strips and add.

3. Combine everything add in Lemon Juice and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight. (It tastes good the longer you marinate)

4. In a baking tray arrange the marinated chicken . Preheat the oven at 200 Deg C for 10 min and then bake at 200 Deg C for 30 mins. Brush little oil and bake the chicken. Flip the chicken once in between while you bake.

5. The chicken is now baked perfectly . Set it aside. You can also cook the chicken in a skillet in stove top or use an air fryer and cook. Cling wrap the chicken in a bowl and set aside till use.

Other Ingredient for the Shawarma

• Arrange your Tzatziki Sauce , Pita bread.
• Next prep the vegetables. Slice the onions, slice the Tomato and Cucumber. Also Chop the Cilantro or Lettuce.

Assemble the Chicken Shawarma

1. Take a Pita bread and spread some Tzatziki Sauce over it.

2.Next add in some Onion slices, Tomato Slices , Cucumber slices and Chopped Cilantro.

3. Finally add in the cooked chicken Strips.

4. Fold the Pita bread and wrap it with a foil or tissue for the shawarma to stay firm. Tasty Chicken Shawarma is now ready to serve.

Similar Recipes:

★ Did you enjoy this recipe? If you happen to try it out, I would love to hear from you! I’d appreciate it if you could rate and leave a review below in the comments. Your reviews help others know the recipe better too. Thanks for your time ? 

You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter for more updates

📖 Recipe

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.