Warmly spiced chicken with rice and all the fixings
Chicken Shawarma Plate
Prep Time
2 hr 10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
2 hr 35 min
Servings
4
4 plates
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Chicken Shawarma Plate
Warmly spiced chicken with rice and all the fixings
★4.6(13)
Juicy, warmly spiced chicken shawarma roasted in the oven and served over rice with hummus, pickles, and garlic sauce. All the shawarma shop flavors at home.
130m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
155m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
You don't need a vertical rotisserie to make incredible shawarma at home. Marinating chicken thighs in a bold spice blend and roasting at high heat creates the same caramelized, juicy results.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this main course delivers the kind of satisfaction that keeps people coming back.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Mix spices, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken thighs and marinate 2 hours or overnight.
- 2
Arrange thighs on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until edges are charred and internal temp is 175°F.
- 3
Rest 5 minutes, then stack thighs and slice thinly against the grain.
- 4
Serve over rice with hummus, garlic sauce, pickled turnips, tomato-cucumber salad, and pita.
- 5
Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Chicken thighsChicken breast
Leaner but drier; don't overcook
Shawarma spice blendCumin + paprika + cinnamon (equal parts)
A simplified version of the blend
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra charred edges.
Marinate overnight for the most flavorful results.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate sliced chicken for up to 4 days. Great for meal prep.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (150mg) · 4 servings
Calories350
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein36g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat6g
Fiber480mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What spices are in shawarma blend?
- Cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper.
- Can I use chicken breast?
- You can, but thighs give much juicier, more flavorful results.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →