Name: Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon sumac; 1 tablespoon coriander; 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 2 teaspoons granulated garlic; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons mint salt or crushed dried mint; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, or to taste); Juice of 2 lemons; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 1 large red onion, cut into 8 wedges; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (to coat the grill and baste); 1/3 cup tahini; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 1 review

If you have ever dreamed of capturing the magic of Middle Eastern street food in your own kitchen, this Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe is exactly the delicious adventure you need. Juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, grilled or roasted to perfection, then drizzled with a creamy, garlicky tahini sauce—this recipe brings vibrant flavors and a stunning aroma to your table. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress and comfort all at once.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a metal tray sitting on a white marbled surface, filled with several skewers of yellow-spiced chicken pieces and large wedges of purple-red onion. The chicken pieces are seasoned with visible black pepper and spices, giving them a textured, slightly rough look. The onion wedges have smooth, shiny layers with clear white rings inside the bright purple outer skins. The skewers are placed horizontally on the tray, alternating between the chunks of chicken and onion, creating a colorful contrast between the yellow chicken and purple onion. In the background, part of a white bowl with yellow rice is slightly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect texture and color. From aromatic spices to fresh lemon juice and quality olive oil, each component is simple yet essential to making this dish unforgettable.

Turmeric: Adds warm, earthy notes and vibrant golden color to the chicken.
Cumin: Provides a deep, nutty taste characteristic of traditional shawarma.
Sumac: Offers a tart and citrusy flavor that lifts the marinade beautifully.
Coriander: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet herbal touch.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the spices and balances the flavors perfectly.
Black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and complexity.
Allspice: Adds a hint of warm spice similar to cloves and cinnamon.
Granulated garlic: Infuses savory depth to the marinade.
Onion powder: Contributes mild sweetness and richness.
Mint salt or crushed dried mint: Introduces a refreshing, cooling note to contrast the spices.
Cayenne pepper: Optional but adds an exciting kick to taste.
Juice of 2 lemons: Brightens and tenderizes the chicken with fresh acidity.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used twice—once in the marinade to carry flavors and later for grilling and finishing to keep the chicken juicy.
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Chosen for their tenderness and flavor; they soak up the marinade fabulously.
Large red onion: Sliced and grilled with the chicken for sweetness and texture.
Tahini: The creamy sesame paste base for the luscious sauce that complements the grilled meat.
Garlic clove: Minced into the tahini sauce to punch it up with savory richness.
Kosher salt (for sauce): Balances the tahini sauce perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together all the spices in a small bowl—turmeric, cumin, sumac, coriander, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, granulated garlic, onion powder, mint, and cayenne pepper. Then add fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, whisking until everything is fully combined. This marinade is the heart and soul of your dish, soaking the chicken thighs in aromatic goodness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place half of the chicken thighs into a medium bowl and coat them thoroughly with half of the marinade. Add the remaining chicken and marinade, rubbing every piece well to ensure full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; overnight marination is even better for deeper flavor penetration and tender meat.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix tahini with minced garlic and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then set aside. This luscious sauce can be made in advance and stored chilled, bringing a nutty, garlicky contrast to the spicy, tangy chicken when served.

Step 4: Get the Grill Ready and Skewer

Heat your grill to medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and onion wedges loosely onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced for maximum charring. If using bamboo skewers, soak them first to prevent burning. Lightly oil the grill grates with extra virgin olive oil to keep everything from sticking and help build those perfect grill marks.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken and Onions

Cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes with the top down, allowing the edges to char beautifully. Turn and baste with olive oil, then grill another 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and slightly crisped on the edges. This method locks in juices and creates irresistible smoky flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Finish

Remove the chicken and onions from the skewers and slice the chicken into half-inch thick pieces. Drizzle everything generously with more olive oil to keep the meat succulent and shiny. Now you have delicious, perfectly cooked shawarma ready to meet the creamy tahini sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Grilled kabobs are shown close up on metal skewers resting on a dark metal tray with ridges. Each skewer has three layers: the bottom and top layers are rich purple grilled onion sections with char marks, and the middle layer is golden brown grilled chicken pieces with some darker grilled spots. The metal tray has a slightly worn texture and the scene is set on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the crisp textures and warm colors of the skewers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is the perfect partner to this richly flavored dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the chicken for a pop of green and bright, herbaceous notes. A handful of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and echoes the tahini sauce beautifully. For extra zing, a few lemon wedges on the side allow everyone to add an extra splash of citrus.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe shines alongside warm pita bread, which you can use to scoop up all that marvelous sauce and juicy chicken. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a wonderfully light contrast, balancing the deep spices. For a heartier meal, consider serving with fluffy basmati rice or a simple tabbouleh salad loaded with fresh herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get playful! Serve the sliced chicken wrapped in soft flatbreads with tahini drizzle, pickled vegetables, and fresh greens for an irresistible shawarma wrap. You can also pile it onto a bed of greens for a vibrant shawarma salad or use it as a topping for grain bowls to bring Middle Eastern flair to your everyday meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. When ready, just assemble and enjoy without losing any of that delicious shawarma magic.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken shawarma for up to 2 months. Arrange the chicken slices loosely on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container to prevent clumping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor. Note that the tahini sauce freezes less well and is best made fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to bring back some crispness on the edges. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the meat. Reheat the tahini sauce to room temperature separately before serving to keep its creamy consistency perfect.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs remain the best choice for shawarma due to their higher fat content and natural juiciness, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful after grilling or roasting.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets marinated in the same spice blend and grilled or roasted, then topped with tahini sauce for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Can I prepare the marinade and tahini sauce in advance?

Yes, both the marinade and tahini sauce can be made a day or two ahead. Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavors, and chilling the sauce allows the ingredients to meld into a rich, creamy delight.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?

Definitely. Oven roasting or stovetop cooking are excellent alternatives. Roasting at a high temperature crisps the edges nicely, and stovetop cooking on a hot skillet can give you that lovely sear and caramelization, ensuring you don’t miss out on any flavor.

How spicy is this Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe?

The spiciness is very flexible—you can adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste, or omit it entirely for a milder dish, without sacrificing the wonderful flavor from the aromatic spices.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Tahini Sauce Recipe is like inviting a burst of Middle Eastern sunshine into your kitchen and onto your plate. It’s approachable yet packed with vibrant, unforgettable flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab those spices, fire up your grill or oven, and get ready to share a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!