Discover an easy, healthy homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe and learn the differences between Kebab, Gyros, and Shawarma.
Course Main Course
Cuisine homemade, Moroccan
Keyword chicken, low carb, shawarma, Wrap
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 40 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 4portions
Calories 341kcal
Author missblasco
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
1.3lbsBoneless chicken breast fillets
1tspSea salt
1tspPaprikaSweet or hot, according to preference
1tspGround cumin
1tspGround cinnamon
1tspTurmeric
1tspOnion powder
2Garlic clovesminced or crushed
1tbspLemon juiceapprox. half a lemon
1tbspOrange juiceapprox. half an orange
Lemon zestfrom half a lemon
1Medium onionhalved (I recommend using half white and half red for extra flavor)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
1cupPlain yogurtUse Greek yogurt for a creamier texture
1/2tspGarlic powder
A pinch of sea salt
Fresh parsleyfinely chopped
A drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A few drops of lemon juice
For the Garnish:
1Bell pepperjulienned
1Tomatosliced
1Cucumbersliced
1/2Red onionjulienned
Lettuce leavesRomaine or Butter lettuce
Artisan or store-bought tortillasCorn, wheat, or low-carb options
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine all the dry spices. Add the lemon and orange juices, lemon zest, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and stir well to create a paste.
Marinate: Add the chicken breast fillets to the bowl. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Assemble the Shawarma: Place one onion half face-down on a baking tray to act as a base. Insert a long wooden or metal skewer into the center of the onion. Thread the marinated chicken fillets onto the skewer, stacking them one on top of the other. Finish by topping the skewer with the other half of the onion.
Tip: It is efficient to make several skewers at once to maximize oven space and have healthy leftovers for the week.
Roast: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges without becoming too dry.
Rest and Slice: Remove the shawarma from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the meat vertically from the skewer.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken rests, whisk together the yogurt, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh parsley (or cilantro).
Serve: Arrange the fresh sliced vegetables on a platter. Serve the warm chicken in lettuce cups, endive leaves, or tortillas. Drizzle generously with the yogurt sauce.