Grilled

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Name: Grilled Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pita breads, warm; 1 cup (115g) mixed veggies, such as tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers; 1/2 cup (120g) tahini sauce; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

By Wren Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Grilled Chicken Shawarma. It was at a street food market, and the smell of sizzling chicken and spices drew me in. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and tangy tahini sauce in a warm pita was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate that perfect Shawarma at home.

After countless experiments and tweaks, I'm excited to share my Grilled Chicken Shawarma recipe with you. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The secret to a great Shawarma lies in the marinade and the grilling process. By using a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, we can create a flavor profile that's both aromatic and delicious. And by grilling the chicken to perfection, we can achieve that nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make authentic Grilled Chicken Shawarma, from preparing the marinade to serving it in a warm pita with your favorite toppings. So let's get started and make some delicious Shawarma!

Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Grilled Chicken Shawarma is sure to become a favorite. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, and with its easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying it in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family
The combination of juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and tangy tahini sauce is a match made in heaven
It's a great way to experience the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine without leaving your home
You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite toppings and sauces
It's a healthy and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner
It's perfect for outdoor gatherings and picnics

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Grilled Chicken Shawarma lies in the balance of flavors and textures. By using a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, we can create a marinade that's both aromatic and delicious. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.

The grilling process is also crucial in achieving that perfect char on the outside while keeping the inside tender. By cooking the chicken over medium-high heat, we can create a nice crust on the outside while locking in the juices. And by letting it rest for a few minutes before serving, we can allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

The combination of crispy veggies, creamy tahini sauce, and warm pita bread adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish. The veggies provide a nice crunch, while the tahini sauce adds a rich and creamy element. And the warm pita bread serves as the perfect vessel to hold everything together.

Overall, the combination of flavors, textures, and presentation makes this Grilled Chicken Shawarma a truly unforgettable dish. It's a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your household, and one that you'll enjoy making and eating time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Grilled Chicken Shawarma, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players include chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. You'll also need some veggies, tahini sauce, and pita bread to complete the dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality items. Choose chicken breasts that are plump and have a good texture. Fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish. And don't forget to pick up some warm pita bread to serve everything in.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh and high-quality chicken breasts that are plump and have a good texture. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a good flavor and aroma. You can also use other oils like avocado or grapeseed if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, so try to use the best quality you can find. You can also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceFreshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but you can also use bottled juice if you don't have fresh lemons.
1 teaspoon paprikaSmoked or sweet paprika works well in this recipe, so choose the one you like best. You can also use other spices like cumin or coriander if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt like kosher or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings like black pepper or garlic powder if you like.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is best, but you can also use pre-ground pepper if you don't have a pepper mill.
4 pita breads, warmLook for pita breads that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use other types of bread like naan or flatbread if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) mixed veggies, such as tomatoes, onions, and cucumbersChoose fresh and crunchy veggies that will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish. You can also use other veggies like bell peppers or carrots if you like.
1/2 cup (120g) tahini sauceHomemade or store-bought tahini sauce works well in this recipe, so choose the one you like best. You can also use other sauces like hummus or tzatziki if you prefer.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is essential for this recipe, so try to use the best quality you can find. You can also use other herbs like cilantro or dill if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to tasteAdd salt and pepper to taste to bring out the flavors of the dish. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if you like.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerGrill or grill pan Cutting boardSharp knife

How to Make Grilled Chicken Shawarma

1
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
4
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to get an accurate reading.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
6
Warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes.
7
Assemble the Shawarma by spreading a layer of tahini sauce on each pita bread, followed by a few slices of chicken, some mixed veggies, and a sprinkle of parsley.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately and enjoy.
9
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make more Shawarma.
10
You can customize your Shawarma by adding your favorite toppings and sauces, such as hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled turnips.
11
To add some extra flavor, you can also grill some onions or bell peppers and add them to the Shawarma.
12
For a spicy kick, you can add some harissa or hot sauce to the tahini sauce.
13
Experiment with different combinations of toppings and sauces to find your perfect Shawarma.

Expert Tips

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute.
Warm the pita breads before assembling the Shawarma to make them more pliable and easier to fold.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as naan or flatbread, for a unique twist on the traditional pita.
Add some crispy falafel or grilled halloumi cheese to the Shawarma for extra texture and flavor.
For a vegan version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not marinating the chicken long enough, resulting in a lack of flavor.
Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough.
Not warming the pita breads before assembling the Shawarma, making them brittle and prone to cracking.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing it, resulting in a loss of juices and flavor.
Not experimenting with different toppings and sauces to find the perfect combination.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of protein, such as lamb or beef, for a unique twist on the traditional chicken Shawarma.
Add some heat to the Shawarma by incorporating spicy peppers or harissa into the marinade.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as naan or flatbread, for a unique texture and flavor.
Incorporate some Mediterranean flavors, such as feta cheese or olives, into the Shawarma for added depth and complexity.
Try using a yogurt-based sauce, such as tzatziki, instead of tahini sauce for a tangy and refreshing twist.
Add some crunchy texture to the Shawarma by incorporating toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs.
For a vegan version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Serve the Grilled Chicken Shawarma with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled turnips. You can also offer a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a Shawarma bar with all the fixings, including different types of bread, meats, and toppings. This way, everyone can create their own perfect Shawarma.

HummusTabboulehPickled turnipsGrilled vegetablesRoasted potatoesSimple green salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Grilled Chicken Shawarma, wrap the individual components, such as the chicken, veggies, and tahini sauce, in separate containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken and thaw it as needed. Simply slice the chicken and reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To reheat the Shawarma, simply assemble the components and wrap them in foil. Heat the Shawarma in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until the bread is warm and the filling is heated through.

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for Shawarma?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for Shawarma. You can also use a combination of both for added flavor and texture.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can also marinate it for up to 2 hours for added flavor.

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Can I use a different type of bread for Shawarma?

Yes, you can use different types of bread, such as naan or flatbread, for a unique twist on the traditional pita. Simply warm the bread before assembling the Shawarma.

How do I reheat the Shawarma?

Can I make Shawarma ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate until ready to cook.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Shawarma?

Common mistakes to avoid include not marinating the chicken long enough, overcooking the chicken, and not warming the pita breads before assembling the Shawarma.

Can I customize the Shawarma with different toppings and sauces?

Yes, you can customize the Shawarma with different toppings and sauces, such as hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled turnips. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Shawarma.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card