Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Mia

Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East with this authentic Grilled Chicken Shawarma recipe that perfectly embodies the heart-healthy principles of the Mediterranean Diet. This beloved street food has been a staple across Lebanon, Turkey, and throughout the Levant for centuries, traditionally prepared on vertical rotisseries but brilliantly adapted here for home grilling. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of warm spices including cumin, coriander, and paprika, combined with tangy lemon juice and heart-healthy olive oil that tenderizes the meat while infusing it with incredible depth of flavor.

What makes this shawarma truly special is the complex spice profile that creates layers of flavor without any heavy sauces or excessive fats. The yogurt-based marinade not only adds a subtle tang but also ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender during grilling. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes that pair beautifully with fresh vegetables and whole grain pita bread.

This recipe is ideal for a satisfying Mediterranean-style dinner that's both nutritious and deeply flavorful. The lean chicken breast provides excellent protein while the aromatic spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, this shawarma delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Serve it with a crisp salad, creamy tahini sauce, and warm pita for a complete meal that celebrates the vibrant, healthful cuisine of the Mediterranean region.

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 11.00g
Carbs 6.00g
Protein 40.00g

Ingredients

2 lbsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1/2 cupplain Greek yogurt
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
3 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 clovesgarlic, minced
2 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
1 tsppaprika
1/2 tspground turmeric
1/4 tspground cinnamon
1/4 tspcayenne pepper (optional)
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 mediumred onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
tongs
large mixing bowl
aluminum foil
grill (gas or charcoal)
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
serving platter
sharp knife
plastic wrap
metal or wooden skewers

80/20 Diet

This shawarma fits the 80/20 approach perfectly with 100% nutrient-dense whole foods including lean chicken, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, and anti-inflammatory spices. Every ingredient contributes to the nutritious 80% while delivering exceptional flavor and satisfaction.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including turmeric, ginger-family spices (cumin, coriander), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The combination of these powerful spices with lean protein and fresh herbs provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds while avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with 100% whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh chicken, plain Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and pure spices. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet guidelines by featuring lean chicken breast, minimal sodium (controlled at 1 tsp for 2 lbs of meat), and abundant herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. The Greek yogurt provides calcium while olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, and the recipe avoids processed ingredients and excessive saturated fats.

Diabetic Diet

This shawarma is diabetic-friendly with its emphasis on lean protein, minimal carbohydrates, and no added sugars. The Greek yogurt provides a low-glycemic base while the abundant spices and lemon juice create flavor without impacting blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for stable glucose management.

Flexible Dieting

This nutrient-dense shawarma fits flexible dieting principles with its emphasis on whole food ingredients and balanced macronutrients from lean chicken, Greek yogurt, and olive oil. The recipe can be easily portioned and tracked while demonstrating that flavorful, satisfying meals align with flexible eating approaches.

Gluten-Free Diet

This shawarma recipe is naturally gluten-free, using only chicken, yogurt, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and pure spices without any wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and flavorful option that can be served with gluten-free pita or over salad.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe supports cardiovascular health with lean chicken breast, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and garlic. The preparation avoids saturated fats, trans fats, and excessive sodium while emphasizing ingredients that promote healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.

High-Protein Diet

This recipe is ideal for high-protein diets, featuring 2 lbs of lean chicken breast as the star ingredient, supplemented by protein-rich Greek yogurt in the marinade. Each serving delivers substantial protein to support muscle maintenance and satiety while keeping the dish flavorful with aromatic spices.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This shawarma is excellent for macro tracking with its clear portions of lean protein from chicken breast, measured healthy fats from olive oil, and minimal carbohydrates from the yogurt marinade. The recipe provides substantial protein while allowing flexibility to adjust serving sizes to meet individual macronutrient targets.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense shawarma is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality lean protein from chicken breast, healthy fats from olive oil, and anti-inflammatory spices that support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This shawarma honors intuitive eating principles by offering a deeply satisfying, flavorful meal made with nourishing whole foods that provide both pleasure and nutrition. The recipe celebrates food enjoyment through aromatic spices and traditional preparation methods without restriction or guilt-inducing language.

Macro Diet

Perfect for flexible dieting, this recipe offers high-quality lean protein from chicken breast, controlled healthy fats from olive oil, and minimal carbs, making it easy to track and fit into various macro targets. The straightforward ingredients and preparation allow for precise portion control and macro calculations.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This shawarma fits the Mayo Clinic Diet with its focus on lean chicken breast, moderate healthy fats from olive oil, abundant fresh herbs and vegetables, and complete avoidance of refined grains, added sugars, and processed ingredients. The recipe emphasizes nutrient density and appropriate portions for sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its use of extra virgin olive oil, lean chicken breast, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The yogurt-based marinade and emphasis on lemon juice, garlic, and fresh vegetables align with the diet's focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and minimal processing while avoiding red meat and refined ingredients.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with its emphasis on olive oil as the primary fat, lean poultry, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and coriander. The recipe avoids butter, red meat, and fried foods while incorporating brain-protective ingredients that align with MIND Diet principles.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating with its complex layers of flavor, varied textures, and aromatic spices that engage multiple senses. The whole food ingredients and traditional preparation encourage slow, conscious consumption and appreciation of the Mediterranean culinary experience.

Weight Watchers

This shawarma is Weight Watchers-friendly with its emphasis on lean skinless chicken breast, fat-free Greek yogurt, and minimal added fats. The recipe prioritizes whole food ingredients, uses spices for flavor without excess calories, and provides satisfying protein that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.

2 min
2

Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the yogurt mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform marinade.

1 min
3

Add the chicken strips to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

2 min
4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. For charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.

15 min
5

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while the grill heats. This ensures more even cooking.

5 min
6

Thread the marinated chicken strips onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers, weaving them back and forth to secure. Leave small spaces between pieces for even cooking.

5 min
7

Lightly oil the grill grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

1 min
8
5 min

Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing nice grill marks to form.

9
5 min

Flip the skewers and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center.

10

Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and transfer to a clean platter. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

5 min
11

Slide the chicken off the skewers onto a serving platter. Top with sliced red onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions