10 Flavorful and Hearty Shawarma Recipes to Try
Nothing beats the incredible flavors of homemade shawarma with its perfectly spiced meat and fresh accompaniments. These Middle Eastern wraps bring restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.
Each recipe delivers that authentic shawarma experience you’re craving, from traditional chicken versions to bold beef and lamb variations that’ll satisfy any appetite.
01. Simple Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Tender marinated chicken with warm spices wrapped in soft flatbread. This foolproof recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors that’ll impress your whole family.
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon, salt and pepper, 6 flatbreads, cucumber yogurt sauce.
How To Make Simple Chicken Shawarma Wraps
1. Cut chicken thighs into thin strips and place in a large bowl. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all spices until well combined, creating a fragrant marinade that’ll infuse every piece with flavor.
2. Pour marinade over chicken strips and toss until evenly coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marinating produces the most tender and flavorful results.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pieces are golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
4. Warm flatbreads in microwave for 30 seconds, then fill each with chicken, cucumber yogurt sauce, and your favorite fresh vegetables before rolling tightly into perfect wraps.
02. Spiced Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches
Aromatic chicken marinated in cardamom and mixed spices for authentic Middle Eastern flavor. The complex spice blend creates layers of taste that make this sandwich absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken breast, ¼ cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp ground cardamom, 2 tsp mixed spice blend, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp allspice, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground cloves, salt to taste, pita bread.
How To Make Spiced Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches
1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips about ½-inch thick for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, cardamom, mixed spice blend, and all remaining spices to create an aromatic marinade.
2. Add chicken strips to spice mixture and massage thoroughly until every piece is well coated. Marinate in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours, allowing the cardamom and spices to penetrate the meat completely.
3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 6-8 minutes until edges are crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving in warm pita bread with tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs for the most authentic shawarma experience.
03. Toronto-Style Chicken Shawarma
Grilled chicken paired with crunchy vegetables and creamy tahini-yogurt sauce. This Canadian twist on the classic delivers perfect texture contrast in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, 2 large onions sliced, 2 bell peppers sliced, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp shawarma spice mix, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, flatbread wraps.
How To Make Toronto-Style Chicken Shawarma
1. Season chicken thighs generously with shawarma spice mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub seasonings into meat and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while preparing vegetables and sauce.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden and crispy with beautiful grill marks.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté sliced onions and peppers for 8-10 minutes until softened but still maintaining a nice crunch that adds texture to the final wrap.
4. Whisk together yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Slice grilled chicken and serve in warm flatbread with sautéed vegetables and generous dollops of tahini-yogurt sauce.
5. Roll wraps tightly and serve immediately while chicken is still warm and vegetables maintain their perfect crunch for the ultimate Toronto shawarma experience.
04. Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
Family-friendly baked version that’s perfect for picky eaters. This hands-off method produces incredibly tender chicken with all the traditional shawarma flavors without any fuss.
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic minced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, basmati rice, pita bread.
How To Make Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure the spices adhere properly and create a beautiful golden crust.
2. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all spices in a large bowl, whisking until you have a fragrant paste. Add chicken pieces and toss until every surface is thoroughly coated.
3. Arrange seasoned chicken on prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces don’t overlap. Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is golden brown and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
4. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve over fluffy basmati rice or stuff into warm pita bread with your favorite Mediterranean accompaniments for a complete meal everyone will love.
05. Quick Beef Shawarma Wraps
Fast and flavorful beef shawarma that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Using tortillas makes this recipe accessible while maintaining all those beloved Middle Eastern flavors you crave.
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef sirloin sliced thin, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 4 cloves garlic minced, flour tortillas, hummus, fresh vegetables.
How To Make Quick Beef Shawarma Wraps
1. Slice beef sirloin against the grain into thin strips about ¼-inch thick for maximum tenderness. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, all spices, and minced garlic to create an aromatic coating.
2. Add beef strips to spice mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare tortillas and fresh vegetables, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Heat a large skillet over high heat and cook beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, stirring frequently until edges are crispy and meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Warm tortillas in microwave for 20 seconds until pliable. Spread each with hummus, add seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and roll tightly for delicious weeknight wraps ready in under 30 minutes.
06. Marinated Lamb Shawarma
Rich and tender lamb marinated overnight for incredible depth of flavor. This authentic recipe transforms this premium meat into an unforgettable Middle Eastern feast that’s surprisingly approachable.
Ingredients: 3 lbs lamb shoulder cubed, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 6 cloves garlic minced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp sumac, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, pita bread, tzatziki sauce.
How To Make Marinated Lamb Shawarma
1. Cut lamb shoulder into 2-inch cubes, removing excess fat but leaving some for flavor and moisture. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Add all spices to the liquid mixture and whisk until you have a fragrant marinade. Add lamb cubes and massage marinade into meat, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic mixture.
3. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing the acids and spices to tenderize the lamb and infuse it with incredible flavor. Turn the meat once halfway through marinating for even distribution.
4. Remove lamb from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Thread onto metal skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until beautifully charred outside.
5. Let lamb rest for 5 minutes before removing from skewers. Serve in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs for an authentic Middle Eastern experience that showcases the lamb’s rich flavor.
07. Stovetop Arabic Chicken Shawarma
Authentic Arabic-style chicken shawarma made entirely on your stovetop. This recipe proves you don’t need special equipment to create restaurant-quality shawarma at home in just over an hour.
Ingredients: 2½ lbs chicken thighs boneless, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp yogurt, 5 cloves garlic minced, 2 tsp baharat spice, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp cardamom, pita bread, garlic sauce.
How To Make Stovetop Arabic Chicken Shawarma
1. Flatten chicken thighs to even thickness using a meat mallet for consistent cooking. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, minced garlic, and all spices in a large bowl, creating a tenderizing marinade.
2. Add flattened chicken thighs to marinade and massage thoroughly until every piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or up to 4 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor.
3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Cook marinated chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout.
4. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips. The resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist and flavorful.
5. Warm pita bread and fill with sliced chicken, garlic sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Roll tightly and serve immediately for the most authentic Arabic shawarma experience possible.
08. Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Traditional Lebanese preparation that requires patience but delivers exceptional results. This time-intensive recipe creates incredibly flavorful chicken that’s worth every minute of preparation you invest.
Ingredients: 4 lbs chicken pieces, ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 8 cloves garlic minced, 3 tbsp Lebanese seven spice, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp nutmeg, coarse salt, flatbread, rice and lentils.
How To Make Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
1. Score chicken pieces with shallow cuts to help marinade penetrate deeper into the meat. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, seven spice blend, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken pieces to spice mixture and massage marinade into every crevice and cut. Cover tightly and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor development.
3. Remove chicken from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange marinated chicken on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 45-55 minutes until chicken is deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with pan juices halfway through cooking to keep meat moist and develop rich color.
5. Let chicken rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with warm flatbread and traditional accompaniments, or serve over seasoned rice and lentils for a complete Lebanese meal experience.
09. Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma
Eight-hour yogurt marinade creates incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. The natural enzymes in yogurt break down proteins, resulting in the most succulent shawarma you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken breasts, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 6 cloves garlic minced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp cinnamon, cayenne pepper, pita bread.
How To Make Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma
1. Pound chicken breasts to uniform ¾-inch thickness for even cooking and better marinade absorption. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
2. Add all spices to yogurt mixture and whisk until evenly distributed throughout the marinade. The yogurt will tenderize the chicken while the spices infuse incredible flavor into every fiber.
3. Add chicken breasts to yogurt marinade and turn to coat completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for exactly 8 hours, though reduce time to 4 hours for thinner chicken breasts.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook marinated chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature throughout.
5. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips. The yogurt marinade creates incredibly tender meat that pairs perfectly with warm pita bread and fresh Mediterranean vegetables.
10. Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Raita
Spice-marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with cooling cucumber raita. The combination of heat from the spices and coolness from the yogurt sauce creates perfect balance.
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, 3 tbsp shawarma spice blend, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 cucumbers diced, 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped, flatbread, fresh vegetables.
How To Make Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Raita
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and make shallow cuts in the skin to help spices penetrate. Combine shawarma spice blend, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl, mixing until you have a thick paste.
2. Rub spice paste all over chicken thighs, getting mixture under the skin and into cuts. Marinate at room temperature for 1 hour, allowing the spices to infuse the meat with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
3. Meanwhile, prepare raita by combining Greek yogurt, diced cucumbers, chopped mint, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken thighs skin-side down for 8-10 minutes until skin is crispy and golden. Flip and continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let grilled chicken rest for 10 minutes before removing meat from bones and slicing. Serve in warm flatbread with cooling raita and fresh vegetables for a perfectly balanced shawarma experience.
Final Thoughts
These shawarma recipes bring authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your home kitchen without requiring special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Each version offers its own unique twist on this beloved dish.
Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or lamb, there’s a perfect shawarma recipe here that’ll satisfy your cravings and impress your family with restaurant-quality results.