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"Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe"

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe: A Complete Guide


  • Author: kamikarecipes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 people 1x

Description

“Discover how to make a delicious Lebanese Chicken Shawarma at home with this easy recipe. Tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy garlic sauce—perfect for any meal!”


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, or boneless chicken breasts as an alternative)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for a deeper flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for marinating and tenderizing the chicken)

For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):

  • 6 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon ice water (to adjust consistency)

For Serving:

  • Pita bread or flatbread (Lebanese bread if available)
  • Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
  • Pickles (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, cardamom, chili flakes, and yogurt. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce (Toum)

  1. In a food processor, combine peeled garlic cloves and salt. Pulse to create a smooth paste.
  2. Add the egg and lemon juice, then blend again until smooth.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while the food processor is running, allowing it to emulsify.
  4. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of ice water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice if necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. If using a grill, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
    • If using a skillet, heat a bit of oil in a large pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma

  1. Warm the pita or flatbread on the grill or in a dry pan for about 30 seconds per side.
  2. Lay the bread flat and place the sliced chicken in the center.
  3. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce, and add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Optionally, add pickles for extra tanginess.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley, then roll up the bread to enclose the chicken and veggies.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma!

Notes

  • Marination: The chicken needs at least 2 hours to marinate, but for best results, let it sit overnight. This will allow the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
  • Garlic Sauce Variations: The traditional garlic sauce (toum) can be customized by adding a touch of tahini or yogurt for extra creaminess. If you want more heat, consider adding extra chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Vegetable Options: You can customize the vegetables in the shawarma wrap. Some people like to add shredded lettuce, pickled turnips, or even roasted vegetables for added flavor.
  • Grilling: If you have a vertical rotisserie (like in restaurants), you can use that for a more authentic cooking method. Otherwise, grilling or pan-frying works just as well at home.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-frying

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350-450 kcal
  • Sodium: 600-700mg
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Protein: 30-35g
  • Cholesterol: 80-100mg

Keywords: Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe