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lebanese chicken shawarma recipe recipe

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma

Sofia RussoSofia Russo
This Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe offers an authentic taste of the Middle East with perfectly grilled chicken marinated in a blend of spices and served with a homemade shawarma sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 8 wraps
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 grill preheated to medium-high heat
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Shawarma Sauce

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste

Serve with

  • 8 pita bread
  • 2 cups lettuce shredded
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 1 cup cucumbers sliced

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.

Cooking

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving

  • In a bowl, mix together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt to taste. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  • Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Place in a pita bread and top with shawarma sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Ingredient Substitutions: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option. How to Serve: Serve with extra sauce for dipping. Storage & Freshness: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the marinade and sauce a day in advance.
Keyword authentic shawarma spices, homemade shawarma sauce, lebanese chicken shawarma