The Best Homemade Chicken Shawarma (Arabic Style)

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Breast is leaner, drumsticks are often less expensive.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point.

pita bread

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pita

💰Cheaper: tortillas

Whole wheat pita adds fiber.

Prepare the marinade by crushing garlic cloves with a mortar and pestle.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a large bowl.

Combine yogurt, sunflower oil, crushed garlic, tomato paste or chili paste, lemon juice, and powdered spices in the bowl.

Stir well to combine into a paste-like consistency.

Cut chicken breast or thighs into thin slices.

Add the meat to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it evenly.

Fry the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through until browned and cooked through.

Prepare shawarma sandwiches by spreading garlic sauce on the bread, adding chicken and pickles, and rolling them up.

Toast the sandwiches in the same skillet for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with additional garlic sauce and pickles.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens