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Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Livy Lane
If you love bold spices and juicy chicken, this Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe is perfect. It brings Middle Eastern flavors straight to your kitchen. The chicken gets a flavorful marinade before hitting the grill.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 38 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern / Fusion
Servings 6
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Trim any large pieces of fat from the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken on a clean cutting board. Keep the pieces similar in thickness for even grilling.

Make the Shawarma Marinade

  • Add olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice and minced garlic to a bowl. Add cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, cayenne and oregano. Whisk everything until the marinade looks smooth and well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken into the marinade. Turn each piece until completely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Prepare the Grill

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface if needed. Let the grill become properly hot before adding the chicken. A hot surface creates beautiful charred edges.

Grill the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip away. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about eight to nine minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Check for Doneness

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F or 74°C. Avoid cutting the chicken repeatedly while cooking. This helps keep the natural juices inside.

Rest and Slice

  • Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices spread throughout the meat. Slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain.

Serve the Shawarma

  • Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter. Add warm pita, fresh vegetables and your favorite sauce. You can also build rice bowls with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and pickled onions.
Keyword Grilled Chicken Shawarma Recipe