Shawarma is one of the most famous Middle Eastern dishes, and this Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe will help you create the perfect restaurant-style meal at home. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this dish features juicy, marinated chicken loaded with warm spices, garlic, and a creamy yogurt base.
This guide will show you how to make Lebanese Chicken Shawarma using three cooking methods—stovetop, oven, or grill—while keeping it authentic and full of flavor.
What You’ll Learn in This Recipe Guide:
✔️ The perfect marinade for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
✔️ 3 different cooking methods: stovetop, oven, or grill
✔️ How to serve shawarma with wraps, rice bowls, or salads
✔️ Authentic Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) recipe
✔️ Best storage & reheating tips for meal prep
What is Lebanese Chicken Shawarma?
Origins of Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire and became a popular dish across the Middle East. The Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe is famous for its yogurt-based marinade, rich spices, and bold garlic flavors.
What Makes Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Unique?
Unlike other shawarma variations like Greek gyros or Turkish döner, Lebanese Chicken Shawarma stands out due to:
✔️ A flavorful yogurt, lemon, and garlic marinade
✔️ Thinly sliced, tender chicken cooked over high heat
✔️ Wrapped in pita bread and served with creamy garlic sauce
Essential Ingredients for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Spice Blend
To get the authentic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma taste, you’ll need:
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp sumac (optional but adds tanginess)
Best Chicken Cut for Shawarma
For the most flavorful and juicy Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe, use:
✔️ Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (best flavor & tenderness)
✔️ Chicken breast (leaner but needs extra marination time)
How to Make Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Marinade
Ingredients for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 2 lbs |
| Plain yogurt | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Ground cumin | 2 tsp |
| Coriander | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Guide to Marinate Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
- Prepare the marinade: Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices in a large bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken and coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
How to Cook Lebanese Chicken Shawarma (3 Methods)
1. Stovetop Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slice thinly before serving.
2. Oven-Baked Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Slice before serving.
3. Grilled Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
- Heat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
How to Serve Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Classic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Pita bread
- Garlic sauce (Toum)
- Pickles, fries, onions, and tomatoes
Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl
- Fluffy spiced rice topped with sliced shawarma
- Served with hummus, tabbouleh, and tahini sauce
Keto-Friendly Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Plate
- Grilled vegetables & fresh salad
- No bread, extra garlic sauce
Homemade Garlic Sauce (Toum) for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic cloves
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- Blend garlic and salt in a food processor.
- Slowly add oil while blending.
- Add lemon juice and blend until creamy.
For more details, check out this authentic Toum recipe.
Storing & Reheating Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
✔️ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freezer: Keep for up to 2 months.
✔️ Reheat: Warm in a pan for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best way to cook Lebanese Chicken Shawarma?
Grilling gives the most authentic flavor, but pan-searing and oven-baking also work well.
2. Can I make a Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe without yogurt?
Yes! Substitute yogurt with buttermilk or a mix of lemon juice & olive oil.
3. What are the best side dishes for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma?
✔️ Hummus, tabbouleh, garlic sauce, and fries.
For more Lebanese recipes, check out Mama’s Lebanese Kitchen.