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If you’ve ever bitten into a warm, spiced, and juicy chicken wrap and thought, “This is perfection,” chances are it was a Chicken Shawarma Sandwich. Bursting with flavor from a unique marinade and topped with creamy garlic sauce, tangy pickles, and fresh vegetables, this sandwich has traveled far from its Middle Eastern roots to become a street food sensation worldwide.
In this guide, you’ll learn about its origins, how to make it at home with exact ingredient measurements, the best sauces and sides, global twists, and answers to commonly asked questions. Let’s dig in.
What Is a Chicken Shawarma Sandwich?
Chicken Shawarma is a dish made of thinly sliced, marinated chicken that’s traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and shaved off as it cooks. While the original method involves large rotating grills, home cooks can achieve fantastic results using stovetops, ovens, or grills.
The sandwich version wraps this flavorful meat in flatbread and is commonly filled with garlic sauce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and other fresh veggies. The beauty lies in the contrast of textures and bold, aromatic spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need (with Measurements)
Below is a complete ingredient list tailored to make four servings of Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (around 700 g) boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon water (adjust for texture)
Shortcut version: Combine ½ cup of Greek yogurt with one small garlic clove (finely grated), a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a milder, creamy spread.
For Assembly:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, julienned or sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Pickled turnips or gherkins (optional but traditional)
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Sandwich (Step-by-Step)
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade until the chicken is well-coated. Use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece is covered evenly. For the most flavorful results, seal the bowl with a lid or cling wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for several hours—overnight is ideal to allow the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. When the pan reaches the right temperature, arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the pan without overlapping, ensuring even contact for proper searing.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce
Blend garlic, lemon juice, and salt, and slowly drizzle in the oil while blending until a thick, emulsified sauce forms. Add a bit of water if needed for a lighter texture. Alternatively, use the yogurt-based version for a quicker, tangy finish.
4. Assemble the Sandwich
Gently warm your pita or flatbread. Spread a layer of the garlic sauce first, then stack on the sliced cooked chicken, followed by your chosen toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and any extras you love. Wrap it tightly and, if you like a bit of crunch, place it on a hot pan for a minute or two to crisp the outer layer.
What Bread Works Best?
- Pita Bread: Classic and soft
- Saj or Laffa Bread: Thinner and chewier
- Tortilla Wraps: A great store-bought alternative
Choose a flatbread that holds up well when rolled and heated.
Is It Healthy? Let’s Talk Nutrition
A homemade Chicken Shawarma Sandwich typically contains:
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 30–35g
- Fat: 15–25g
- Carbs: 35–45g
For a healthier version:
- Grill or bake the chicken
- Use non-fat or low-fat yogurt in sauces
- Add more vegetables for fiber and volume
- Choose whole wheat bread if possible
How It’s Made Around the World
From Lebanon to London, the shawarma sandwich takes many forms:
- Levantine: Packed with pickled turnips and strong garlic sauce
- Turkish-style: Inspired by döner kebab, often with chili sauce
- South Asian fusion: Spicier, sometimes with cabbage and naan
- Modern adaptations: Some Western-style versions throw in things like melted cheese, spicy peppers, or even French fries for a bold twist
Each version keeps the heart of the dish but brings local flair to the table.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Marinating the chicken for less time can result in bland flavor—don’t skip this step
- If you’re aiming for juicy results, chicken thighs are a better choice than leaner cuts
- Avoid stuffing the wrap too much to prevent it from tearing
- Giving the sandwich a quick toast in a hot skillet helps improve both texture and flavor
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Once your chicken has cooled down slightly after cooking, transfer it into a sealed container and place it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within four days.
- For reheating, using an air fryer or a skillet will revive the crispy edges and keep the chicken moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy and the chicken unevenly heated.
FAQs About Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
What’s the difference between shawarma and gyro?
While they may look similar, shawarma relies heavily on warm Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric and is typically made with chicken or beef. Gyros, which hail from Greece, are often prepared with pork or lamb and seasoned with Mediterranean herbs like oregano.
Is Chicken Shawarma spicy?
Mild to moderate—it depends on the amount of cayenne or chili you use.
What sauce is traditional in a Chicken Shawarma Sandwich?
Garlic sauce (also called toum) is most common, though tahini or yogurt sauces are also used.
Can I cook Chicken Shawarma Sandwich without a grill?
Absolutely. A pan on your stove or even your oven will do the job.
Is it good for meal prepping?
Yes! Prepare and cook the chicken in advance, refrigerate, and assemble fresh sandwiches as needed throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches are the kind of food that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make at home. With spiced, marinated chicken, flavorful sauce, and crisp vegetables all wrapped up in warm bread, it delivers on taste and comfort. Whether you stick to tradition or mix it up with new ingredients, you’ll love the results.
Don’t forget to explore dishes like birria tacos and French Onion Soup Burgers