Craving the mouthwatering flavors of Middle Eastern street food without leaving your home? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a shawarma paradise with this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious oven-baked chicken shawarma recipe! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum and your taste buds dancing with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flatbreads for serving
- Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, onion, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the spice mixture adheres well and promotes better browning.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the spice marinade over them. Use your hands to massage the spices thoroughly into the meat, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out to ensure they're not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps keep the meat tender and moist.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips or shred it using two forks.
- Warm the flatbreads and prepare your chosen toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and any preferred sauces.
- Serve the chicken shawarma in warm flatbreads, allowing everyone to customize their own wrap with desired toppings.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating to ensure the spices stick and the chicken browns beautifully.
- Don't rush the marinating process - let the spices really penetrate the meat by massaging them thoroughly into the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For extra crispy edges, consider broiling the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different toppings and sauces like tzatziki, hummus, or garlic sauce to customize your shawarma experience.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more intense flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs will provide more moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
