Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe is made with chicken thighs, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and shawarma spices. This recipe creates a flavorful, tender chicken shawarma. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 tsp shawarma spice blend (e.g., ground cumin, coriander, paprika)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, shawarma spice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
3. Preheat Pan or Grill: Heat to medium-high.
4. Cook Chicken: Cook each thigh for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and juices run clear.
5. Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly for serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender than breasts.
• Marination Time: Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
• High Heat: Use high heat for a nice char and authentic shawarma texture.
• Slice Against the Grain: Ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
• Serving Variation: Warm the sliced chicken in a skillet briefly for crisp edges.

What To Serve With Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh vegetable salad (like cucumber, tomato, red onion), tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce, and a side of pickles for a complete and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

How to Store Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Store cooled sliced chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Chicken Shawarma Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Sodium: 550 mg

FAQS

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
• Yes, you can—but breasts may dry out more easily, so watch cooking time and consider brining first.

• What is shawarma spice blend?
  It’s a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon—available premixed in many stores.
• Can I make this in the oven?
  Absolutely! Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• How can I make a dairy-free version?
  Replace yogurt with olive oil or a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative.
• Is the shawarma spice blend very spicy?
  No, it’s warm and aromatic rather than hot—adjust the spice level to your preference.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Egg Fried Rice Recipe
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Korma Recipe
• Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken Thighs