The BEST Chicken Shawarma for Movie Night
This homemade Chicken Shawarma is packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors, marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, and warm spices, then roasted to perfection. Juicy, crispy, and incredibly easy to make, this dish is perfect for wraps, bowls, or served with warm pita. Inspired by the rich flavors of Agrabah, this meal is the perfect centerpiece for an Aladdin dinner and a movie night—or even your own personal superhero post-battle feast (looking at you, Avengers fans). Skip the takeout—homemade is so much better!
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs 1.13kg chicken thighs
- 2 lemons juiced
- 1/2 cup 120ml olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- 1 large red onion quartered
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 package of Pita
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-12 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a sheet pan with olive oil. Toss quartered onion with chicken, then transfer to the pan.
- Roast chicken in the oven for 30-40 minutes until browned and cooked through. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then slice into strips.
- For extra crispness, sauté the sliced chicken in a pan with olive oil.
- Serve the chicken with parsley and a variety of toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, pita,garlic sauce, store bought pita, feta, or rice. Enjoy!
Notes
✅ Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan for best results! ✅ Variations: Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, or cook on the grill for extra smoky flavor. ✅ Shortcut: If you forgot to marinate (we’ve all been there), let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes while you watch Friend Like Me for the 500th time.