Can I use chicken breast for easy chicken shawarma in oven?

Yes, you can use chicken breast for easy chicken shawarma in oven, but you must be careful not to overcook it. Breasts lack the fat found in thighs, so they can become dry quite fast. To keep them moist, slice them thin and perhaps reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Adding a little extra olive oil to the marinade can also help protect the meat from the high heat of the oven.

What temperature should easy chicken shawarma in oven be cooked at?

The ideal temperature for easy chicken shawarma in oven is 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is necessary to brown the meat and create those crispy bits that make shawarma so delicious. If your oven has a convection setting, using it can help circulate the air even better, leading to a more even char on all the pieces of chicken.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

To get that restaurant-style crunch on your easy chicken shawarma in oven, do not crowd the pan. If the pieces are too close together, they will steam rather than roast. Use two pans if necessary. Also, using the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking is a secret trick that many chefs use to get that perfect, slightly burnt edge on the meat.

What is the best sauce for easy chicken shawarma in oven?

A classic tahini sauce made with lemon, garlic, and water is a favorite for easy chicken shawarma in oven. Many people also love a yogurt-based tzatziki or a very strong garlic sauce called toum. The creaminess of these sauces balances the earthy spices used in the marinade. Even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be enough to make the flavors pop.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken with all the spices and oil, put it in a freezer bag, and freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to make easy chicken shawarma in oven, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. The freezing process actually helps the marinade penetrate the meat even further, resulting in a very tender finished product.

Easy Chicken Shawarma In Oven: Juicy And Crispy Recipe

Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma in Oven
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all dry spices until well combined.
Marinate the meat: Add the chicken strips and sliced onions to the bowl, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the spice mixture.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Arrange on pan: Spread the marinated chicken and onions across the baking sheet in a single, even layer to ensure proper browning.
Roast the chicken: Bake in the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are soft.
Crisp the edges: Switch the oven to the broiler setting for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the meat develops dark, crispy edges.
Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving in warm pitas or over a bed of rice.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before baking.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 325 kcal
Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: chicken shawarma, oven baked, sheet pan dinner, mediterranean food, healthy dinner