Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Easy Chicken Shawarma is the best crispy, tender chicken dish you can make at home. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to perfect shawarma is marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings Recipe and Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Why This Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, tender chicken pieces
- Better than takeout flavor
- Easy, 30-minute recipe
What You'll Need for Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Chicken breasts
- Yogurt
- Shawarma spices
- Shawarma spice blend
- Garlic sauce
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomatoes
- Optional: Red onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Shawarma spice blend: You can find this at Middle Eastern stores or make your own with paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, and salt.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of mincing garlic and herbs. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the best sear and crispy texture. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
- Marinate: Combine chicken, yogurt, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook: Cook chicken in a hot skillet until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve chicken with garlic sauce and your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: The #1 reason this recipe fails is overcooking the chicken. To prevent it, use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken at 165°F.
- : For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken dry before cooking.
- : Make the garlic sauce ahead of time for easier prep.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for faster prep.
Freezing Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on the grill or in a grill pan.
- Best substitution: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Wait a few minutes before adding the chicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Yogurt
- Shawarma spices
Seasonings
- Shawarma spice blend
- Garlic sauce
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onions
Instructions
- Marinate: Combine chicken, yogurt, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook: Cook chicken in a hot skillet until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve chicken with garlic sauce and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on the grill or in a grill pan.
- Best substitution: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Wait a few minutes before adding the chicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for faster prep.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken at 165°F.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Sour cream or buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crispy Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
