This Shawarma-Style Chicken Recipe Was Made for the Grill—and Summer

This Shawarma-Style Chicken Recipe Was Made for the Grill—and Summer

8 servings
Middle Eastern shawarma is usually prepared with thin cuts of seasoned meat that is stacked and grilled on a spit. Our spin uses marinated skinless, boneless chicken thighs and a few homemade toppers—all tucked into purchased pitas.

Ingredients

  • packed brown sugar
    1 tbsp.
  • ground cumin
    2 tsp.
  • ground coriander
    2 tsp.
  • smoked paprika
    2 tsp.
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp.
  • ground cinnamon
    1 tsp.
  • fresh lemon juice
    2 tbsp.
  • skinless

    boneless chicken thighs

    2 lb.
  • pita bread rounds
    8
  • lemon

    cut into wedges

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Make Marinade For marinade, in a small bowl whisk together brown sugar, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, lemon juice, and 2 tsp. kosher salt. While whisking, slowly pour in 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a steady stream. Continue whisking until mixture forms a smooth paste.

  2. 2

    Marinate Place chicken thighs in a resealable zip-top bag set in a shallow dish. Add marinade. Seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or up to 12 hours.

  3. 3

    Grill Prepare grill for indirect heat using a drip pan. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Place chicken on rack over drip pan. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat , turning once, until done (170°F), about 25 minutes.

  4. 4

    Let Stand and Assemble Remove from grill; let chicken stand 10 minutes. Slice chicken across the grain into thin slices. Serve chicken in pita rounds with Tahini Sauce, Cucumber Salad, and lemon wedges. Makes 8 pitas.

This Shawarma-Style Chicken Recipe Was Made for the Grill—and Summer

This Shawarma-Style Chicken Recipe Was Made for the Grill—and Summer

5.0(1)240 min8 servings406 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of juicy, flavorful shawarma hot off the grill? This recipe brings the authentic taste of grilled shawarma-style chicken right to your backyard, perfect for summer entertaining.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe's irresistible flavor lies in its rich, aromatic spice blend—featuring ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon—that deeply infuses the skinless, boneless chicken thighs. These juicy thighs soak up the marinade, delivering tender, robustly flavored meat with every bite. The addition of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire profile, ensuring a balanced and authentic taste.

What to Expect

Prepare for a vibrant culinary experience that transports your taste buds. Each bite of chicken is bursting with warm, earthy spices, beautifully complemented by the zesty tang of lemon. Tucked into soft pita bread rounds with your favorite homemade toppers, it creates a satisfying, hearty meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd. This delightful entree captures the essence of classic flavors with the ease of your home grill, yielding 8 generous servings.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines with chicken thighs, the aromatic spice blend is incredibly versatile. Consider using the same marinade for lamb or even a firm white fish if you're looking for an alternative. For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of chili flakes could be added to the spice mix for a subtle heat. Always serve with plenty of lemon wedges for squeezing; the fresh citrus is key to enhancing the dish's brightness.

Serving & Context

This grilled shawarma-style chicken is an ideal centerpiece for casual summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any night you crave bold, satisfying flavors. Serve it with extra lemon wedges for squeezing and your favorite fresh accompaniments tucked into warm pita bread.

Frequently Asked Questions