Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for the mouthwatering flavors of Middle Eastern street food right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat with this Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe. It captures the perfect blend of spices and tender chicken roasted to juicy perfection, delivering a harmony of smoky, tangy, and aromatic sensations that will have you craving more. Whether you’re a shawarma newbie or a seasoned lover of this classic dish, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home-cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic each ingredient brings to the table. The careful balance of warm spices and fresh elements works together to create that signature shawarma taste and irresistible aroma.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the marinade’s rich flavors.
• 2 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth that is essential to shawarma’s depth.
• 2 tsp ground paprika: Brings a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
• 1 tsp ground turmeric: Offers a subtle bitterness plus a vibrant golden hue.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A hint of sweetness and complexity that rounds out the spices.
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper: Adjustable heat to give a slight kick without overwhelming.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent bite lifts all the flavors to new heights.
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the spices perfectly.
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred): Helps tenderize the chicken while adding creaminess to the marinade.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Promotes juiciness and aids in caramelization during roasting.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild spiciness and depth.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of fresh green and herbal brightness when serving.

How to Make Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing the cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the chicken with those authentic Middle Eastern flavors that make shawarma so addictive.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Add your chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure each piece is generously coated with the marinade. This step guarantees every bite will be bursting with flavor and tender from the yogurt’s tenderizing effect.

Step 3: Let It Marinate

Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour, but preferably overnight. This resting time lets the spices fully penetrate the chicken, promising a deeper, richer taste with every bite.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps create that perfect roasted texture and slight char that shawarma is known for.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze later on, as the marinade can get a bit sticky when roasting.

Step 6: Arrange the Chicken for Roasting

Place your marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet so that they cook evenly and get a lovely roasted color on all sides.

Step 7: Roast Until Perfect

Bake the chicken for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred around the edges. This gives you tender, juicy meat with just enough crispiness to mimic that classic shawarma edge.

Step 8: Rest the Chicken

Once out of the oven, allow your chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful result.

Step 9: Slice or Shred

Cut the chicken into thin strips or shred it, depending on your serving preference. Both ways work beautifully for wrapping or plating.

Step 10: Final Touches

Serve warm with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley to bring some vibrant color and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the rich spices.

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic go-to garnish, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon, thinly sliced onions, or a drizzle of tahini sauce to elevate the flavor and presentation of your shawarma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fluffy basmati rice, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. These sides balance the boldness of the chicken and offer textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try rolling the chicken strips into wraps with garlic sauce and pickles, layering it over a grain bowl for a hearty meal, or even topping flatbreads with shawarma, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of spicy harissa for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick, flavorful meal any time you want a taste of shawarma without the work.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date it so you don’t lose track of time.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through, taking care not to dry it out. Adding a splash of water or a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil helps keep it juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but they are leaner and may dry out more easily during roasting, so keep a close eye on the cooking time and consider marinating a bit longer for tenderness.

Is yogurt necessary in the marinade?

Yogurt is key because it tenderizes the chicken and provides a creamy balance to the spices, but if you’re avoiding dairy, you could try a dairy-free yogurt or a bit of lemon juice with olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

The heat comes mainly from cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your taste. Feel free to reduce or omit it if you prefer mild flavors, or add more if you love a good kick.

Can I marinate the chicken for less than an hour?

While it’s best to marinate for at least an hour, especially overnight if possible, even 30 minutes will impart some flavor. It’s all about how deep you want those spices to infuse.

What’s the best way to serve leftover shawarma?

Leftover shawarma is fantastic in wraps, tossed into salads, or served as a protein-packed topping for grain bowls. It’s a versatile ingredient that keeps on giving flavor long after the first meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and exciting about making the Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe at home. The blend of spices, the tender roasted chicken, and the ease of cooking all make this dish a delightful crowd-pleaser any day of the week. Give it a go and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these unbeatable homemade flavors!

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