Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices, yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice, then baked in a loaf pan for juicy, tender, and flavorful results. Perfect for serving with pita bread or rice and customizable with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, plain yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Arrange Chicken in Pan: Place the marinated chicken thighs into a loaf pan in a single layer, distributing evenly for even cooking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Serve the chicken shawarma with warm pita bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Add fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce to enhance the flavor and texture.
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if you prefer a leaner option, though thighs offer more juiciness and richness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: chicken shawarma, loaf pan chicken, Middle Eastern chicken
