Juicy Shawarma Chicken in the Oven or Grill Recipe

Introduction

Discover the rich flavors of Juicy Shawarma Chicken made effortlessly in your oven or on the grill. This recipe combines a vibrant marinade with tender chicken thighs, resulting in a perfect balance of smoky and tangy taste. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or get your grill ready at medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on the grill grates. Cook for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char.
5. Step 5: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly. Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauces for an authentic shawarma experience.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the marinade.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Marinate overnight to maximize the depth of flavor and tenderness.
• Serve with garlic sauce, tahini, or a simple yogurt cucumber sauce to complement the spices.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out. This chicken also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken thighs to ensure even marinating and cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before marinating.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.

Juicy Shawarma Chicken in the Oven or Grill Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 131 reviews

This Juicy Shawarma Chicken recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, then cooked to perfection in the oven or on the grill. The result is a juicy, aromatic chicken that’s perfect for serving with pita bread, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauces.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating time, minimum 1 hour)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness significantly.
3. Preheat cooking appliance: Whether using an oven or a grill, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your grill to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
4. Cook the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if using the oven, or directly place them on the grill grates if grilling. Cook for 30-35 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through to achieve a nice char and even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken thinly. Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauces such as garlic sauce or tahini for an authentic shawarma experience.

Notes

• Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and produces juicier chicken.
• The recipe can be cooked either in the oven or on the grill depending on your preference.
• Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays tender and moist during cooking.
• Feel free to add extra spices like cayenne or sumac for additional flavor complexity.
• This chicken is great served in wraps, salads, or as a main dish alongside rice.

Keywords: Shawarma chicken, oven-baked chicken, grilled shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken, yogurt marinated chicken, spicy chicken thighs