Description
Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food into your home. This easy recipe delivers juicy, spiced chicken with minimal effort—simply marinate, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or salads, this dish is a healthy, flavorful meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, mix cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, minced garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly charred at the edges.
5. Rest & Slice
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking.
- Slice into strips or shred, depending on your preference.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy with pita bread, over rice, or atop a salad.
Notes
- Charred Effect: Broil for the last 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or tofu.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with hummus, garlic sauce, or pickled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
