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easy chicken shawarma recipe

Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma

Juicy chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and warm spices, then baked until tender and flavorful.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 5 Servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 547

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 lbs. Chicken Thighs or Breasts
  • 2/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 to 3 large Lemons juiced
  • 6 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 to 2 Red Onions thinly sliced

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place it in a large bowl or zip-top bag. In a separate bowl, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat every piece evenly.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor and more tender chicken, marinate for 4 hours or overnight if possible.
Bake the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly drizzle olive oil on a sheet pan to prevent sticking. Spread the marinated chicken evenly across the pan so it cooks evenly. Scatter the sliced red onions over the chicken.
  2. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Add Extra Crispiness (Optional)
  1. For crisp edges and deeper flavor, you can finish the chicken one of two ways:
  2. Pan Sauté Method: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the baked chicken briefly until slightly crisp.
  3. OR
  4. Broil Method: Place the baking sheet on the top rack and broil for 2 minutes until lightly crisp on the edges.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm with your favorite sides or wraps.

Notes

Marinate at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Broil briefly for crisp edges. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.