Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with marinated, heavily spiced chicken that’s grilled and served in wraps, bowls, or plates. Especially popular during grilling season, shawarma features bold flavor, easy prep, and maximum versatility. At International Fresh Market, our ethnic grocery store has authentic spices, sauces, and pita, so you can recreate this delicious Middle Eastern at home this summer.
What Makes Shawarma Different?
Chicken shawarma is a traditional street food in the Middle East. It is known for its warm spices and juicy texture. Unlike a lot of roasted foods, shawarma is juicy, without the dry texture that a grill can sometimes impart.
What Is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is typically cooked on a vertical spit, but it is easy to recreate on a grill. With a few of our tips, you’ll be able to make juicy shawarma that rivals anything you’ll find from a Middle Eastern street vendor. Chicken shawarma is commonly served with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables.
Shawarma Marinade Ingredients
One of the most important components of good chicken shawarma is the marinade. This helps maximize the flavor of your chicken and makes it extra juicy.
What Spices Are Used in Chicken Shawarma?
The key ingredients to include in your chicken shawarma marinade are:
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Yogurt
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, building deep flavor that will reveal itself in the finished product. While its best to use chicken thighs for juiciness, any cut of chicken will work for shawarma.
How to Grill Chicken Shawarma
Grilling chicken shawarma at home only takes a few minutes. Combine the marinade ingredients and add to a container, coating the chicken thoroughly. Marinate several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma on the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat and remove the chicken from the marinade. Place on the grill and turn occasionally for even char. Let the meat rest after removing from the grill and slice thinly before serving. A slight char adds authentic flavor, but take care not to grill too long. The internal texture should stay juicy, not dry.
Best Ways to Serve Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is perfect for a crowd, a relaxing weekend dinner, or even a weekday lunch. You can serve it with almost anything, but there are some traditional pairing options that never miss.
What Do You Serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Serve warm pita or flatbread alongside your chicken shawarma, as well as garlic sauce or tahini. Pickled turnips or cucumbers are a refreshing pairing, as are tomato, lettuce, and sliced onion. You can use the chicken shawarma to build rice bowls or salad plates, especially if you are prepping for lunch. It’s easy to customize the heat level of shawarma with optional adjustments like hot sauce. However you serve it, shawarma is sure to please!
Why Shawarma Is Perfect for Summer Grilling
Chicken shawarma is perfect for cookouts and gatherings, offering big flavor payoff without complicated prep or extensive cooking times. The flexible serving options make it great for a group, as everyone will be able to customize their perfect plate. Plus, chicken shawarma is a fantastic make-ahead meal, staying delicious for days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Visit Our Ethnic Grocery Store for Fresh Flavors
With its smoky grilled flavor and bold Middle Eastern spices, chicken shawarma is a delicious and filling meal that can easily be made at home. Visit International Fresh Market today for authentic ingredients and marinades. We have everything you need to turn your backyard grill into a bastion for bringing global flavors to life.
