Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Sandwich Guide: Authentic & Easy Recipes
Introduction
There’s something magical about holding a warm Chicken Shawarma Sandwich in your hands. The aroma of shawarma spices mixed with garlic sauce instantly takes me back to family gatherings where food meant comfort and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken shawarma at home, or which bread works best for wrapping, you’re in the right place. This guide will cover everything you need, from authentic flavors to easy modern variations.
What is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food known for its bold flavor and tender texture. Traditionally, marinated chicken is stacked on a vertical spit, slow-cooked, and shaved off in thin slices. The marinade usually combines yogurt, lemon, and aromatic shawarma spices such as cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg, and cloves. Served inside pita bread or flatbreads, it often comes with garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles. Authentic chicken shawarma has a rich history across the Levant region and has become a favorite worldwide for its savory taste and cultural roots.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches are not just delicious, they’re versatile and satisfying. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Quick and simple preparation with ingredients you already have at home
- Authentic Middle Eastern flavor with a balanced spice blend
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or hosting friends
- Juicy marinated chicken wrapped with crisp vegetables and creamy sauces
- A sandwich that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time
This version stands out because it gives you both authentic and easy sheet pan options, so you can choose the method that works best for your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (helps tenderize and add flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic (finely grated or pressed)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Sandwich
- 1/2 head romaine lettuce (washed and chopped)
- 1 medium cucumber (sliced thin)
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 4 pieces of homemade naan or pita bread
These ingredients bring together a balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh elements that make every bite of this Chicken Shawarma Sandwich truly satisfying.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
- Marinate the chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. For deeper flavor, slice the chicken into strips before marinating so the spices infuse more evenly. - Prepare the yogurt sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with garlic, dill, and salt. Mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce not only adds creaminess but also balances the spices from the chicken. - · Cook the chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, flipping as needed. Depending on thickness, this will take about 5–7 minutes per side. Look for clear juices and an internal temperature of 165°F. - Rest and slice the chicken
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Slice into thin strips if not already done before marinating. - Prep the vegetables
Wash and chop the lettuce, slice the cucumber and tomatoes, and cut the red onion into thin strips. Keep them fresh and crisp by preparing them just before assembling. - Assemble the sandwich
Lay a piece of naan or pita bread on a flat surface. Spread a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce across the center. Add sliced chicken, then top with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion. Roll the bread tightly to form a wrap. If you like, wrap it in foil to hold its shape and make eating easier.
This step-by-step process ensures each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Sauce and Accompaniments
No Chicken Shawarma Sandwich feels complete without the right sauce and sides. They bring balance, freshness, and a little extra indulgence to every bite.
Toum (Creamy Garlic Sauce)
Toum is a traditional Middle Eastern garlic sauce that’s fluffy, bold, and addictive. To make it, blend fresh garlic with lemon juice, salt, and oil until it turns into a light, creamy paste. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, giving the sandwich its signature kick.
Yogurt-Based Sauce
If you prefer something milder, a yogurt-based sauce is a refreshing option. Greek yogurt mixed with garlic, dill, lemon, and a pinch of salt creates a creamy dip that cools down the spices. It’s also lighter and works well for those who want a healthier alternative.
Popular Accompaniments
- Pickles: Add tang and crunch that balance the richness of the chicken
- French fries: A classic street-style side often tucked inside the wrap itself
- Fresh salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad brightens the meal
- Hummus or baba ghanoush: Creamy dips that add variety to the table
With these sauces and sides, your shawarma sandwich turns into a full meal that feels restaurant-worthy at home.
How to Assemble the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
Building the perfect shawarma sandwich is an art. Here’s how to layer it so every bite feels balanced:
- Lay your naan or pita flat on a plate.
- Spread a generous layer of sauce in the center. This creates a creamy base and prevents dryness.
- Add sliced chicken on top of the sauce. Distribute it evenly so each bite has flavor.
- Layer the vegetables: lettuce first for crunch, then cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for freshness.
- Add extra sauce if you like it creamier.
- Fold the sides of the bread inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Wrap in foil if you want it easier to hold and to keep it warm.
This method keeps the sandwich intact and prevents fillings from spilling out.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Marinade ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Cooked chicken storage: Once grilled, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing option: Slice the cooked chicken, cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
- Sauce storage: Yogurt and garlic sauces stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep them in sealed jars to maintain flavor.
- Reheating tips: Warm the bread on a skillet before assembling, and lightly reheat chicken strips in a pan so they stay juicy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
This breakdown will vary depending on the type of bread, sauces, and toppings you choose.
Helpful Notes
- Bread options: While naan or pita are traditional, you can also use flatbreads or tortillas if that’s what you have.
- Spice adjustment: If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the marinade.
- Extra crunch: Add pickled turnips or cabbage for more texture.
- Lighter option: Swap naan with lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
- Serving idea: Pair with a fresh mint lemonade or yogurt drink for a complete Middle Eastern experience.
- Curious why yogurt makes chicken so tender? Read this food science breakdown on How Yogurt Marinades Work to understand the process.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Coat chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.
- Mix Greek yogurt with garlic, dill, and salt until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
- Preheat grill or pan to medium-high. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Wash and chop lettuce, slice cucumber, tomatoes, and onion just before serving.
- Spread yogurt sauce on naan or pita. Add sliced chicken, top with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion. Roll tightly and wrap in foil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
Conclusion
A Chicken Shawarma Sandwich is more than just a meal, it’s a flavor-packed experience that blends tender chicken, bold spices, creamy sauces, and crisp vegetables into one satisfying wrap. Whether you stick with the authentic version or try a quick sheet pan method, you’ll end up with a dish that’s comforting, versatile, and sure to impress your family and friends.
If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment and star rating to share your thoughts. Don’t forget to spread the love by saving it on Pinterest or sharing it on Facebook. What twist would you add to your shawarma sandwich? Tell us below, we’d love to hear your variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for a good chicken shawarma recipe
Yes, this guide covers both authentic and modern methods, giving you the best of both worlds with easy-to-follow steps.
What spices are in chicken shawarma?
Common shawarma spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, oregano, and garlic. Some variations add paprika or cayenne for heat.
Is chicken shawarma healthy?
It can be healthy when grilled and paired with fresh vegetables and light sauces. Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy dressings makes it lighter.
How is shawarma different from a gyro?
Shawarma is Middle Eastern and uses spices like cinnamon and cloves, while gyros are Greek, often seasoned with oregano and served with tzatziki sauce.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma Sandwich (recipe in comments)
Yes, the full recipe details are included above. You can follow the step-by-step guide to recreate it at home.
Calories in chicken shawarma sandwich only
On average, one sandwich has about 400–450 calories, depending on bread type, sauce amount, and toppings used.
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