How do I get the crispiest edges in a home oven for this Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

The key is the final broiling step at high heat for 3 to 5 minutes after the initial 20-minute roast. Position the baking sheet close to the broiler element and watch constantly. The chicken must also be patted completely dry before marinating so the yogurt crust adheres properly and chars rather than steaming.

How long should I marinate the chicken in this Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

A minimum of 2 hours is needed for meaningful flavor penetration. Overnight marinating of 8 to 12 hours produces the best possible result with the deepest flavor and the most tender texture as the lactic acid in the yogurt has maximum time to work on the meat fibers.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

Chicken thighs are strongly recommended due to their higher fat content which keeps them juicy under high-heat cooking. If using chicken breasts, reduce the broiling time to 2 to 3 minutes and watch extremely carefully as breast meat dries out much faster than thigh meat under a hot broiler.

What is the thick white garlic sauce served with this Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

The sauce is a simple combination of plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. The mayonnaise stabilizes the yogurt and creates a thick luscious consistency. This is a simplified home version of toum, the traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, and provides the essential cooling creamy contrast to the warmly spiced chicken.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe The Best Charred Juicy Perfectly Spiced

Name: Chicken Shawarma Recipe Charred Juicy and Perfectly Spiced at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs patted completely dry; 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for sauce; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice for sauce; 4 soft pita breads cut into wedges; 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped; 1 small red onion thinly sliced

Description

An authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe with boneless thighs marinated in a vibrant red-orange yogurt spice blend, roasted golden then broiled to blackened crispy edges. Served with thick creamy white garlic sauce, pita wedges, and fresh garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs patted completely dry

1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice for sauce

4 soft pita breads cut into wedges

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped

1 small red onion thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Whisk yogurt olive oil lemon juice paprika cumin coriander turmeric and salt until vibrant red-orange

2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry then massage marinade into every surface

3. Cover and refrigerate minimum 2 hours ideally overnight

4. Preheat oven to 425F (220C)

5. Arrange marinated chicken flat on greased baking sheet and roast 20 minutes until cooked through

6. Switch broiler to high and broil 3 to 5 minutes watching constantly until blackened crispy edges form

7. Rest chicken 5 minutes then slice thinly

8. Whisk garlic sauce ingredients together until smooth

9. Serve sliced chicken with pita garlic sauce parsley and red onion

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry before marinating for proper crust development.

Watch broiler constantly as difference between perfect and burned is 60 seconds.

Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing to retain all juices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner Main Course
Method: Roasting and Broiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 48g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: chicken shawarma recipe, homemade chicken shawarma, baked chicken shawarma, shawarma spice marinade, charred chicken shawarma