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Aromatic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Golden spices transform ordinary chicken into authentic Middle Eastern shawarma that will transport your senses to bustling street markets.
Why You’ll Love this Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
If you’ve ever walked past a Middle Eastern restaurant and found yourself practically floating toward the door, seduced by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling spiced meat, you’re about to recreate that magic in your own kitchen.
This chicken shawarma hits all the right notes—aromatic spices like cardamom, cumin, and coriander create a complex flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.
I’m particularly fond of how the yogurt-tahini sauce adds a creamy counterpoint to the bold spices.
And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching dinner guests’ eyes widen as they take their first bite!
What Ingredients are in Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma?
Creating authentic chicken shawarma at home requires a beautiful blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients that work together to create that unmistakable Middle Eastern flavor profile. The magic happens when these components meld together—the warming spices infusing the tender chicken, the fresh vegetables adding crunch, and that creamy sauce bringing everything together in perfect harmony. Ready to stock your pantry for this flavor adventure?
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal)
- 1 lemon
- 2 large garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
- 4 pita breads
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, particularly with the spices. If possible, try to find freshly ground spices, as they’ll deliver more vibrant flavors than those that have been sitting in your pantry for months. For the tahini, look for a smooth, creamy variety without separation. And while the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you could substitute with chicken thighs for even juicier results—they’re more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them by a minute or two. The beauty of shawarma is its adaptability, so don’t worry if you need to make small substitutions based on what’s available in your kitchen.
How to Make this Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
To make this incredible chicken shawarma, start by creating the flavorful marinade that gives this dish its signature taste. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon each of ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, and chili powder, along with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon of grill seasoning. Add the juice of half a lemon, 2 grated garlic cloves, and about 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, stirring until you have a paste-like consistency. Slather this aromatic mixture all over 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they’re well-coated. This marinade is where all the magic happens, so don’t be shy with it.
While your chicken is grilling (6-7 minutes per side on high heat), multitask by preparing the pepper and onion mixture. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add 1 large sliced onion along with 1 red and 1 yellow sliced bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Meanwhile, whip up the creamy sauce by combining the juice from the remaining half lemon, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, and a small drizzle of olive oil. This sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm spices.
The final touch? Warming 4 pita breads on the grill for about a minute per side gives them a slight char that makes all the difference.
For an authentic cooking experience, consider using premium Mexican cookware which conducts heat evenly for perfectly grilled chicken.
To assemble your shawarma, let the chicken rest after grilling (this helps keep it juicy), then slice it thinly. Place some chicken on each warmed pita, top with the sautéed peppers and onions, and finish with a generous dollop of the yogurt-tahini sauce.
The combination of warm spices, tender chicken, sweet peppers, and cool, creamy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Who needs takeout when you can create this Middle Eastern classic right in your own kitchen?
Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional recipe creates an authentic flavor profile, you’ll be pleased to know that chicken shawarma adapts beautifully to substitutions based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs.
Can’t find tahini? A quick substitute of creamy peanut butter with a splash of sesame oil works surprisingly well.
For a lighter option, swap the chicken breasts with thighs—they’re more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them (we’ve all been there!).
Vegetarians can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same aromatic spice blend.
And if you’re watching carbs, simply serve your shawarma over a crisp salad instead of pita.
What to Serve with Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Three perfect accompaniments can transform your chicken shawarma from a simple wrap to a memorable feast.
I’m obsessed with serving mine alongside a vibrant tabbouleh salad, where parsley, mint, and bulgur wheat create the perfect fresh contrast to the aromatic spiced chicken.
A creamy hummus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sumac provides that essential dipping element, while pickled vegetables—think turnips, cucumbers, or carrots with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar—cut through the richness with their tangy crunch.
It’s a complete flavor journey that’ll transport your dinner table straight to Damascus!
Final Thoughts
Chicken shawarma has become my absolute comfort food for good reason! The aromatic blend of coriander, cumin, cardamom, and smoky paprika creates a flavor profile that’s simply transportive.
When those warm spices mingle with charred pita, tangy yogurt-tahini sauce, and perfectly grilled chicken, it’s like a culinary hug that satisfies on every level.
What I love most about shawarma is its versatility—dress it up for dinner parties or keep it casual for weeknight meals.
The balance of protein, vegetables, and complex flavors makes this dish both nourishing and crave-worthy. Trust me, this recipe will become a regular in your cooking rotation!
