Oven Chicken Shawarma
Enjoy the aromatic, spiced flavors of authentic street-style shawarma right from your own oven with this easy, foolproof recipe.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
- •1 tablespoon ground coriander
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
- 3
Add the sliced chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated in the spice marinade.
- 4
Spread the chicken in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded so they roast rather than steam.
- 5
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred and crispy.
- 6
For extra color, broil the chicken on high for the final 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- 7
Remove from the oven and serve immediately inside warm pita bread with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
💡 Chef tips
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the meat moist.
- Serve with a side of Israeli salad or pickled turnips to cut through the richness of the spices.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished chicken should be deeply golden-brown with crispy, charred edges, aromatic with warm Middle Eastern spices, and incredibly tender and juicy.