This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food dish made with thinly sliced chicken marinated in a blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic. Traditionally, the marinated chicken is stacked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly roasted until tender and juicy, then shaved into thin pieces. At home, it’s often grilled, pan-seared, or oven-baked to mimic the same flavor and texture. The meat is typically served wrapped in pita or flatbread with toppings such as garlic sauce (toum), tahini, pickled vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Known for its bold, aromatic seasoning and savory richness, chicken shawarma has become a global favorite for its combination of comfort, portability, and vibrant flavor.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Thighs are preferred for juiciness, but breasts work if you want leaner meat.
- Yogurt – Used in the marinade to tenderize and keep the chicken moist.
- Olive Oil – Helps carry the spices and keeps the chicken juicy when cooking.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for aroma and depth.
- Spices – A warm blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and ground black pepper.
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Adds tang and brightens the marinade.
- Salt – Balances and enhances the flavors.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is a thick, tangy syrup made by reducing pomegranate juice until it becomes concentrated and slightly sticky. It has a unique flavor profile — simultaneously sweet, tart, and slightly fruity — that adds brightness and depth to Middle Eastern dishes. In shawarma marinades, it helps tenderize the meat while balancing the warm spices with a subtle sweetness and acidity. Beyond shawarma, pomegranate molasses is often drizzled over roasted vegetables, stirred into salad dressings, or used as a glaze for meats.
What is Lebanese 7 Spice?
Lebanese 7 Spice is a fragrant, all-purpose seasoning blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking to season meats, stews, and rice dishes. The exact mixture can vary by household or region, but it typically includes black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and coriander. This blend balances warmth, spice, and earthiness, creating a rich flavor profile that elevates simple ingredients. In chicken shawarma, Lebanese 7 Spice enhances the marinade, adding complexity and the signature Middle Eastern aroma that makes the dish so irresistible.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lebanese 7 spice
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp ground sumac
- ½ tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 pita wraps
- 1 cup toum or garlic sauce
- sliced pickles
- sliced onions
- pomegranate molasses
Instructions
- Into a bowl mix together your greek yogurt, 7 spice, cumin powder, ground sumac, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.⅓ cup greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lebanese 7 spice, 1 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp ground sumac, ½ tbsp salt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Add your chicken thighs into the bowl and let it marinate ideally overnight for best results.8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Lay our chicken onto a lined baking sheet and broil on high in the oven for 5-7 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.
- Cut our chicken into thin pieces then optionally broil or torch again for extra flavor.
- Split your pita in half and assemble first with your garlic sauce, chicken, pickles, onions, and pomegranate molasses.4 pita wraps, 1 cup toum or garlic sauce, sliced pickles, sliced onions, pomegranate molasses
- Wrap it up tight then brush your pita with oil or chicken drippings then place into a hot pan to toast on each side and enjoy.
