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🥙 Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma – A Flavorful Middle Eastern Wrap You’ll Crave!

By Tima Gaye

🥙 Jump to Ingredients

💛 Why You’ll Love This Shawarma

  • ✅ Bursting with Flavor: The yogurt-spice marinade brings juicy, mouthwatering depth to every bite.
  • ✅ Crispy & Golden: Toasted to perfection for that satisfying crunch outside and tenderness inside.
  • ✅ Family-Friendly & Fun: A hit with both kids and adults, perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties!
  • ✅ Meal Prep Dream: Marinate ahead, roast in batches, and enjoy all week long.
  • ✅ Customizable: Add sauces, veggies, or go spicy—it’s your shawarma your way!

🎥 Unlock the Chicken Shawarma Quiz Answers

Watch a short video first, then reveal the answers to test your knowledge!

🧠 Quick Quiz: Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma Facts

  1. What type of meat is the main protein in this shawarma recipe?
  2. Which ingredient helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade?
  3. What colorful vegetables are cooked with the chicken to add sweetness and crunch?

Introduction

Step into the rich, aromatic world of Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma — a dish that brings Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Imagine tender chicken soaked in creamy yogurt and warm spices, grilled to perfection, then wrapped in a soft, golden-brown tortilla with caramelized vegetables, crunchy pickles, and bold sauces.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking a quick family dinner, or serving something impressive for guests — this shawarma is a total winner. It’s comforting, exciting, and packed with flavor in every bite.

🧂 Ingredients for Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Shawarma

  • 🍗 500g boneless chicken thighs (skinless, cut into strips)
  • 🥛 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or natural)
  • 🧄 4 garlic cloves (crushed or finely grated)
  • 🍋 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 🟤 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 💛 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 🧂 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 🧅 1 medium red onion (sliced thin)
  • 🌶️ 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 🫑 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 🥒 Pickles (thinly sliced – optional but tasty!)
  • 🌿 Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
  • 🌯 4 large tortillas or flatbreads
  • 🧄 Garlic sauce or tahini (optional drizzle)
  • 🔥 1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning (optional blend for extra flavor)
  • 🥄 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds depth to the marinade)
  • 🧈 1 tablespoon butter or ghee (for searing the chicken)
  • 🧊 Chilled cucumber yogurt dip (optional, for serving)
A pack of plain flour tortillas placed on a kitchen counter, surrounded by other shawarma ingredients like mayonnaise, pickles, and lettuce.

🥣Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade

Grab a big mixing bowl — this is where the magic starts. Add in some thick yogurt, followed by a sprinkle of paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic paste, salt, and black pepper. Now, drizzle in a bit of olive oil and squeeze in some fresh lime juice.

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and smells amazing. Want a little twist? Tear a few fresh basil leaves. That subtle herby kick makes all the difference!

A bowl of thick yogurt topped with ground spices and fresh basil leaves before mixing.

Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Place your chicken pieces into the bowl of fragrant marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated with that creamy, spice-packed mixture. Take your time to rub it in gently — this helps the flavor soak deep into the meat.

Once everything is well coated, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, leave it in for up to 8 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender the result will be. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Raw chicken pieces coated in creamy yogurt-based marinade on a tray.

Roast the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F) — we want it hot to get that beautiful golden char.
Take your marinated chicken out of the fridge and lay the pieces on a lined baking tray, spreading them out so they roast evenly. Slide the tray into the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to get that rich color on both sides.
Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This short rest keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender, flavorful, and irresistible.

Oven-roasted chicken pieces with golden brown skin on a lined tray, just taken out of the oven.

Slice & Prep the Chicken

Once the chicken comes out of the oven, give it a moment to rest—about 5 minutes is enough. This quick pause helps the juices settle inside so your chicken stays moist and tender.
Now it’s time to slice! Cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized chunks, depending on how you plan to wrap or serve it. The inside should be juicy and flavorful, while the outside has a delicious golden char. This is the moment where all your marinating and roasting pay off—every piece is packed with bold, spiced flavor and ready to be the star of your shawarma!

Cooked chicken being sliced into thin strips on a wooden board, showing juicy texture inside.

🧅 Sauté the Veggies

Grab a pan and drizzle in a little oil—just enough to coat the base. Once it’s hot, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to bring out a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
Cook the veggies on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let them soften and gently caramelize—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once they’re golden and fragrant, take the pan off the heat and set them aside. These veggies will add a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your shawarma wrap!

Colorful sliced onions and bell peppers sautéing in a skillet with a light oil sheen.

🌯 Build Your Shawarma Wrap

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface or board. Right in the center, pile on those juicy chicken slices, a generous spoonful of your sautéed veggies, and a few crunchy pickles for that tangy bite.
Make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges. This space helps you fold and roll everything without the fillings spilling out. You’re just a step away from shawarma greatness!

Tortilla laid flat with chicken, sautéed vegetables, and pickles layered in the center.

🥙 Toast Your Wrap to Perfection

Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and lightly brush it with oil or butter—your choice. Gently place your wrapped shawarma into the pan, seam side down first. Toast it slowly, turning as needed, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
This step seals everything inside and gives you that delicious, warm crunch with every bite.

Shawarma rolls gently toasting in a skillet until golden brown.

🔪 Slice and Serve with Style

Once your shawarma is golden and toasty, go ahead and slice it in half. This makes it easier to eat—and shows off that mouthwatering filling!
Inside, you’ll see juicy chicken, soft caramelized veggies, and those zesty pickles all wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla. It’s a perfect balance of texture and taste. Every bite is bursting with flavor and comfort.

Sliced shawarma wraps arranged on a plate, showing colorful filling with a garnish of herbs.

🌟 Tips for Success

  • Marinate Long for Maximum Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the spices soak in fully.
  • Use Full-Fat Yogurt: It adds richness to the marinade and helps the spices stick better. Avoid runny, low-fat versions.
  • Slice Veggies Evenly: Consistent slices cook more evenly and caramelize beautifully for a sweet, soft texture.
  • Get That Oven Hot: A hot oven (250°C) gives your chicken that charred edge and deep roasted flavor.
  • Rest Before Slicing: After baking, give the chicken 5 minutes to rest. This keeps it juicy and easier to cut.
  • Warm Your Tortillas: A quick warm-up prevents tearing and makes wrapping smooth and easy.
  • Customize the Fillings: Add lettuce, chili sauce, garlic mayo, or hummus. Make it your own masterpiece!
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook the chicken and veggies ahead. Reheat and wrap when ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in shawarma. Just trim excess fat and marinate the same way.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?

Absolutely. Grilling gives a smoky flavor that works beautifully with the marinade.

What toppings go best with this wrap?

Try lettuce, red onions, pickled veggies, garlic mayo, chili sauce, or even hummus!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and slice the chicken in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving. Tortillas can be wrapped just before eating.

🍳 Loved this shawarma? Then don’t miss our Golden Egg & Mayo Breakfast Sandwich — it’s creamy, rich, and perfect for your next breakfast treat!

🌯 Curious about the origins of Shawarma? Explore the traditional method and history behind this dish on Wikipedia.

About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.


💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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