Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
Why make this recipe
Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma is an easy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your home. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious. Plus, it’s healthy, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
How to make Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Pita bread or wraps for serving
- Fresh veggies for toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)
- Yogurt or tahini sauce for drizzling
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve in pita bread or wraps with fresh veggies and your choice of sauce.
How to serve Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
You can serve Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma in warm pita bread or wraps. Fill it with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle some yogurt or tahini sauce on top for extra flavor. It makes for a great lunch or dinner option!
How to store Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to make Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor even more, so plan ahead if you can.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices based on your taste preferences.
- You can add more veggies or toppings to make it a complete meal.
Variation (if any)
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, try adding different spices like chili powder for some heat or fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just note that they may cook faster, so check them a bit earlier.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free wraps or serve it without bread.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve in pita bread or wraps with fresh veggies and your choice of sauce.
