Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This easy and flavourful homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe is sure to become a favourite among Sri Lankan food lovers. The secret lies in the Tawabel Al-Arab Shawarma Spice Blend. It delivers the authentic taste and aroma that make this dish truly special.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for preparing delicious Chicken Shawarma right here in Sri Lanka. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken combined with fresh ingredients creates a satisfying meal that’s ideal for lunch or dinner.
Serve your shawarma in warm Arabic bread with creamy tahini sauce. Add a fresh salad on the side for an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience that the whole family will enjoy.
I come from Jordan, where bustling streets are filled with food stalls serving delicious, aromatic Middle Eastern dishes daily. From freshly fried falafel and kebab skewers to authentic chicken and beef shawarma, these flavours are part of everyday life.
Growing up surrounded by these incredible foods inspired my passion for sharing authentic Arab flavours and culinary traditions worldwide.
Chicken Shawarma is one of my favourite Middle Eastern street foods. If you’re not familiar with it, let’s start by exploring what makes this iconic dish so special.
What is Chicken Shawarma?
Traditional chicken shawarma starts with chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings. The chicken is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-roasted until tender and flavourful. As it cooks, the chicken bastes in its own juices, creating its signature rich taste.
To serve, thin slices are shaved from the spit and wrapped in warm Arabic bread. Tahini sauce and fresh toppings complete this classic Middle Eastern favourite. Chicken shawarma is the epitome of authentic Middle Eastern flavour.
The good news is that you can easily make it at home. You do not need a rotisserie or special shawarma machine. A sheet pan and oven are all you need.
The secret lies in Tawabel Al-Arab’s authentic Shawarma Spice Blend. It delivers the rich, traditional flavours that make homemade shawarma truly exceptional.
Instructions
How to make chicken shawarma at home (Step-by-Step)
1. Use Tawabel Al-Arab shawarma spice blend,
2. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
3. Season the chicken generously with Tawabel Al-Arab Shawarma Spice Blend, ensuring every piece is well coated. Add sliced onions, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil, then mix thoroughly. For the best flavour, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
4. When ready, spread the marinated chicken evenly on a large baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma?
The true Middle Eastern way to serve chicken shawarma is in Arabic bread with heaps of veggies and a good deal of sauce. I like the idea of loaded Arabic bread. And for the veggies, peppery arugula and my simple 3-ingredient Mediterranean salad.
As with beef shawarma, you can serve chicken shawarma with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
This chicken shawarma recipe can serve 4 to 6 people. But if you’re looking for a fun way to serve a larger crowd, think of doing shawarma sliders!
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. For gatherings, you can also serve the chicken shawarma as mini sliders, making it a fun and crowd-pleasing option.
Can you make this shawarma in advance?
You can prepare and bake the chicken shawarma in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the chicken into warm Arabic bread wraps.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or stock and toss occasionally until heated through. The added liquid helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.