Homemade Chicken Shawarma Plate

Name: Chicken Doner Kebab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 head of lettuce, chopped; 1 onion, sliced; 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded; 1 tomato, sliced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Pickles, for serving; Rice, for serving; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tsp paprika; 1 ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cumin; ¼ cup olive oil; Flatbreads, for serving; Potato chips, for serving (optional); 1 cup plain yogurt

If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal, this Homemade Chicken Shawarma Plate is a perfect choice. Featuring marinated, spiced chicken thighs served with fresh veggies, rice, and flatbreads, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a hearty dinner or meal prep, this shawarma plate is packed with protein, crisp veggies, and creamy yogurt sauce for the perfect balance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavors – A deliciously spiced chicken marinade with Middle Eastern spices.
Versatile Meal – Serve it over rice, in a wrap, or as a salad.
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meat

2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Produce

1 cucumber, sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 head of lettuce, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 red cabbage, finely shredded
1 tomato, sliced
1 small salad with finely sliced lettuce

Canned Goods

2 tbsp tomato paste

Condiments

2 tbsp lemon juice
Pickles, for serving

Pasta & Grains

Rice, for serving

Baking & Spices

1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp salt

Oils & Vinegars

1/4 cup olive oil

Nuts & Seeds

1 tsp ground cumin

Bread & Baked Goods

Flatbreads, for serving

Snacks

Potato chips, for serving (optional)

Dairy

1 cup plain yogurt

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

3. Prepare the Sides

Cook rice according to package instructions.
Chop lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, onion, and tomato for fresh toppings.
Warm flatbreads in a dry pan or oven.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Plate

Serve sliced chicken over rice or flatbreads.
Add lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, onion, and tomatoes on the side.
Top with yogurt and pickles for added flavor.
Serve with potato chips for a crunchy side (optional).

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Shawarma – Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Dairy-Free Option – Skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.
Low-Carb Version – Serve over a salad instead of rice or flatbread.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave until warm.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the best way to get crispy edges on the chicken?

Cook on high heat in a pan or grill to achieve a nice char.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

How do I make a yogurt sauce for shawarma?

Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin for a quick sauce.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! Cook the chicken and store it separately from toppings for easy assembly.

What’s the best rice to serve with shawarma?

Basmati rice or yellow rice with turmeric pairs well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just serve with rice instead of flatbread.

What are some good toppings for shawarma wraps?

Lettuce, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and yogurt sauce.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes! Freeze it raw in the marinade for up to 3 months and thaw before cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat flatbreads?

Warm them in a dry pan or in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken Shawarma Plate is packed with bold flavors, fresh veggies, and satisfying textures. Whether you serve it as a platter, a rice bowl, or wrapped in a flatbread, it’s an easy and delicious meal that brings the taste of the Middle East to your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful feast!

Chicken Doner Kebab

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Chicken Shawarma Plate brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to your table with perfectly marinated, spiced chicken thighs, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and warm flatbreads. Whether served as a plate, wrap, or salad, this protein-packed dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.