Ever made homemade shawarma?
This version doesn’t require special tools and is easier than you’d think.
If you’ve ever craved juicy, flavorful shawarma but didn’t want to deal with a grill or takeout, this homemade shawarma has you covered—oven-baked, easy to prep, and seriously delicious.
In this post, you’ll learn all about the easiest, simplest, most flavorful chicken shawarma, shawarma marinade, shawarma spice blend, and how to make it just right every time! It’s perfect for meal prep and packed with those Middle Eastern spices we all love.
What is Shawarma?
- Origin: A popular Middle Eastern dish, often served as a street food.
- Main Ingredients: Thinly sliced meat (typically chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey), seasoned with a flavorful spice blend.
- Cooking Method: Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but this version is oven-baked.
- Serving Style: Often served in pita bread or flatbreads, topped with vegetables, tahini, or garlic sauce.
Easy Homemade Shawarma Recipe
This homemade shawarma is as simple as it gets—no special tools or grill needed. We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, butterflied and pounded thin to ensure even cooking. The chicken is layered with a flavorful spice blend in an English cake pan, then baked until golden and juicy. Once cooked, it’s thinly sliced and ready to be served in pita, flatbread, or over a salad. Perfect for meal prep and packed with Middle Eastern spices you’ll love!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Shawarma
- Quick & Easy: Just 5 minutes of prep, then let the oven do the work.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Tender chicken thighs with a perfectly spiced blend.
- No Grill Needed: Oven-baked for fuss-free cooking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Sliced thin for easy meals all week.
Shawarma Spice Blends: Yellow vs. Red
Shawarma spice blends typically come in two variations: yellow and red. Here’s how they differ:
- Yellow Shawarma Spice Blend: This version often features turmeric, cumin, coriander, and allspice, giving it a warm, earthy flavor and a golden color.
- Red Shawarma Spice Blend: Red shawarma spice blends are typically more vibrant, with paprika and chili powder as key ingredients, making it spicier and more aromatic.
If you don’t have these spice blends on hand, here’s how you can make them at home:
Yellow Shawarma Spice Blend:
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Red Shawarma Spice Blend:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp allspice
- Salt to taste
For a deeper dive into these Middle Eastern spices, check out my Middle Eastern Spices Guide.
If you’d rather buy ready-made blends, here are two great options:
Perfect Spreads and Salads to Pair with Shawarma
Shawarma isn’t just about the meat—what you serve with it makes all the difference! Here are some spreads and salads that complement the flavors of your homemade shawarma:
Tahini Sauce
A creamy, nutty tahini sauce is a classic pairing for shawarma. To make it extra delicious, be sure to add extra fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick that balances the richness of the tahini and complements the spices in the shawarma.
Hummus
A smooth and creamy hummus adds a touch of richness that complements the shawarma’s spices. Serve it as a dip or spread it in your pita alongside the meat.
Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled vegetables, like turnips, cucumbers, and carrots, add crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the shawarma.
Tabbouleh
A fresh herb-packed salad with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur, tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. It’s light, fresh, and provides a nice balance to the heaviness of the meat. Check out my Tabbouleh Recipe.
Tomato-Cucumber Salad
A simple salad made with diced tomatoes and cucumbers. This salad is not dressed to avoid making your pita soggy. It’s light, crisp, and a perfect, dry side to enjoy with shawarma.
Sumac Onion Salad
This tangy, vibrant salad is made with thinly sliced onions, a generous sprinkle of sumac, salt, and lemon juice. It adds a burst of flavor and a nice contrast to the richness of the shawarma.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Homemade shawarma is an ideal choice for meal prep. It’s not only packed with flavor but also stays juicy and tender, even when reheated. This makes it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply slice the shawarma and store it in airtight containers, and you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready to go.
For a complete and satisfying meal, pair the shawarma with sides like a refreshing salad or your favorite grain.
It goes especially well with my Rice with Chickpeas and Cumin-Infused Caramelized Onions. The shawarma’s bold spices perfectly complement the rich flavors of the rice, creating a well-balanced and filling meal that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
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How to Store Homemade Shawarma
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
In the Fridge: Store leftover shawarma in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the meat is completely cooled before refrigerating.
Homemade Shawarma
Ingredients
- 800 grams skinless, boneless chicken thighs (pounded thinner)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp shawarma seasoning
- 1 small red onion
- 1 clove garlic
- salt, to taste (keep in mind that some seasoning blends are salty)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a bowl, mix the pounded chicken thighs with olive oil, shawarma seasoning, grated garlic, salt, and most of the thinly sliced red onion (set aside a few thicker slices for the topping).
- Line an English cake pan with parchment paper and layer the seasoned chicken mixture evenly in the pan.
- Arrange the thicker onion slices on top of the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Once ready, slice the shawarma thinly. If serving in pita, drain any excess liquids to avoid sogginess. If not, feel free to keep the juices—they’re delicious and packed with flavor!
- For serving suggestions, check out the Perfect Spreads and Salads to Pair with Shawarma section!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a flavorful homemade dinner, this shawarma is sure to impress. It’s simple to make, packed with spices, and perfectly juicy every time. Serve it with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite!
