20 Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipes to Make at Home
Ever had that moment when you bite into a warm, juicy shawarma and think, “I need to learn how to make this at home”? Well, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving bold Middle Eastern flavors, homemade chicken shawarma is easier than it sounds—and a whole lot of fun.
We’re diving into these mouthwatering chicken shawarma recipes that will inspire you to spin shawarma in creative, tasty ways. (And yes, I’ve tried a bunch of these myself!)
1. Classic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Start with the tried-and-true base: marinate your chicken in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Roast or grill for that signature smoky flavor. Serve it in pita with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and a drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce. This version is timeless and hits all the right notes when you want the true shawarma shop experience right in your kitchen.
2. Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma
Don’t want to deal with the grill? Bake your shawarma on a sheet pan! This is a simple way to get perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken with minimal mess. Toss sliced thighs or breasts in your marinade and roast them with sliced onions and peppers. The juices caramelize beautifully, making it a one-pan dinner that’s bursting with shawarma flavor and ready in under an hour.
3. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Craving something crispy without the grease? The air fryer is your best friend. Marinated chicken cooks fast and gets beautifully golden with minimal oil. Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want that juicy interior and charred exterior. Serve it in wraps or over salad, and you’ve got a clean, delicious meal ready to go.
4. Chicken Shawarma Lettuce Wraps
Looking for a low-carb twist? Swap the pita for butter or romaine lettuce leaves. Pile on the marinated and cooked chicken with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a spoonful of yogurt sauce. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and perfect for those lighter lunch or dinner days. Plus, they’re totally customizable and perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches.
5. Shawarma Chicken Skewers
Marinate chunks of chicken and thread them onto skewers with onions and bell peppers. Grill or broil until juicy and charred. Perfect for summer BBQs or anytime you want to serve shawarma as finger food or part of a larger spread.
6. Garlic Lover’s Chicken Shawarma
Double down on the garlic! Use freshly minced garlic in your marinade, and serve it with toum—a creamy Lebanese garlic sauce that’s heaven in a spoon. If you adore garlic, this variation is going to be your new obsession. It’s bold, fragrant, and delivers that deliciously sharp garlic flavor in every bite.
7. Greek-Inspired Chicken Shawarma
Combine Mediterranean vibes with shawarma by using oregano, lemon, and a touch of red wine vinegar in your marinade. Top your wrap with tzatziki, kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. It’s like a gyro meets shawarma in the best way. Fresh, zesty, and full of contrasting textures and tastes that sing together.
8. Chicken Shawarma Salad
Toss cooked shawarma chicken with chopped greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a fiery salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s crunchy, spicy, and way more exciting than your average bowl of greens.
9. Peanut Butter Chicken Shawarma
Yes, you read that right—peanut butter! Add a spoonful to your marinade for nutty depth, along with soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice. It brings Thai-inspired flavors to the shawarma table. Serve it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce for a completely unique spin.
10. Shawarma Chicken Tacos
Ditch the pita and grab a tortilla! Use corn or flour tortillas to make shawarma tacos, then pile on pickled onions, yogurt crema, and fresh herbs. It’s a playful fusion that works surprisingly well, giving you the spice of shawarma with the fun format of street tacos.
11. Shawarma Chicken Pizza
Use naan or flatbread as your crust, then top it with a yogurt-tahini base, shawarma-spiced chicken, onions, and tomatoes. Bake until crispy, and finish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of garlic sauce. This version transforms your favorite flavors into a sharable dinner masterpiece.
12. Shawarma Chicken Sliders
Use mini buns to serve shawarma chicken as sliders. Add pickled red onions, slaw, and garlic sauce. These are perfect for gatherings or game day, giving you the flavor punch of shawarma in a fun, bite-sized form.
13. Shawarma Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Stuff roasted bell peppers with a mixture of shawarma chicken, rice (or quinoa), and veggies. Top with feta and bake until warm and melty. It’s a low-fuss, wholesome dinner option that looks just as good as it tastes.
14. Bulgur Bowl Chicken Shawarma
Build a bowl with cooked bulgur, grilled shawarma chicken, chopped veggies, and a scoop of hummus or baba ghanoush. This grain bowl is hearty, healthy, and packed with fiber. It’s a great lunch prep idea that keeps well and satisfies both hunger and flavor cravings.
15. Chicken Shawarma Quesadillas
Toss your cooked shawarma chicken with cheese and press it between two tortillas. Grill until golden and melty. Slice it up and dip in garlic yogurt or hot sauce. This mashup makes for an irresistible appetizer or weeknight dinner that’s kid-friendly and super comforting.
16. Shawarma Chicken Pasta Bake
Combine cooked shawarma chicken with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting casserole with an exotic twist. Great for using up leftovers in a way that feels brand new and crowd-pleasing.
17. Baked Chicken Shawarma Meatballs
Mix ground chicken with shawarma spices, garlic, and breadcrumbs, then bake into bite-sized meatballs. Serve in wraps, rice bowls, or as a party appetizer with dipping sauce. These are fun, shareable, and still carry that big shawarma flavor in every bite-sized piece.
18. Tandoori-Inspired Chicken Shawarma
Blend shawarma spices with tandoori flavors like garam masala, chili powder, and yogurt. Grill or roast the marinated chicken until deeply charred. The result is an aromatic explosion of Indian and Middle Eastern notes. Serve with naan and pickled onions for extra zing.
19. Buffalo Chicken Shawarma
Blend in hot sauce and a little butter to create a buffalo-inspired marinade. Once cooked, top your wrap with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery slaw. This version is spicy, creamy, and completely unexpected in the best way—perfect for fans of bold, tangy bites.
20. Creamy Avocado Chicken Shawarma
Add mashed avocado or avocado yogurt sauce to your wrap for a creamy, healthy twist. It adds richness without being heavy, and the cool flavor balances the bold spices of the chicken. Pair it with crunchy lettuce, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for a light yet satisfying lunch.
Whether you’re craving something bold and spicy, fresh and healthy, or warm and comforting, there’s a homemade chicken shawarma idea here to match your mood. With these delicious variations to explore, you’ll never get bored of making shawarma at home. So fire up your grill, gather your spices, and let your kitchen become the ultimate flavor zone. Trust me—once you start experimenting with these ideas, chicken shawarma night might just become a regular thing at your place. Happy cooking!
