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Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma is a fuss-free version of the beloved Middle Eastern classic, packed with aromatic spices, juicy marinated chicken, and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. All baked on a single sheet pan, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavors right in your kitchen, with minimal effort and clean-up. Whether you serve it with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or fresh greens, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or weekend feasts.
Shawarma is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel like you’re wandering through the vibrant streets of the Middle East, where skewers of spiced meat slowly roast over open flames. Traditionally, shawarma is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but this simplified sheet pan version captures all the rich, savory, and slightly smoky flavors without the need for special equipment. The combination of warm spices like paprika, cumin, and cinnamon gives the chicken a deep, aromatic profile, while the cool and creamy tzatziki adds balance and freshness. Not only is this dish loaded with flavor, but it’s also relatively healthy — thanks to the use of lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt, and plenty of vegetables. The best part? You can prep most of it ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or an effortless dinner.
Key Ingredients & Their
Roles
• Chicken Breast → Lean and tender protein that soaks
up the flavorful marinade beautifully.
• Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) → Adds natural sweetness and color,
balancing the savory spices.
• Onion → Roasts to a soft, caramelized texture, adding depth to the
dish.
• Greek Yogurt → Essential for both the marinade and tzatziki;
tenderizes the chicken and brings creaminess to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika & Spices → Deliver warmth, smokiness, and authentic
shawarma flavor.
• Cucumber → Grated and squeezed for the tzatziki, adds a refreshing and
cooling effect.
• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) or Herbs → Brings a bright, fresh finish to
the dish.
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15
minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating) | Cook Time: 15-20 minutes | Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes | Cuisine Type: Middle Eastern-inspired |Calories: ~400 kcal per serving (without pita or rice) | Serving Size: Serves 3-4
📝 Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 700g
chicken breast, cut into strips (1.5 lb)
- 1
red capsicum (bell pepper), sliced
- 1
onion, sliced into wedges
- 1-2
tbsp olive oil
- Fresh
coriander (cilantro) or herbs for garnish
Marinade
- 1
tbsp oregano (or thyme)
- 1
tbsp smoked paprika
- ½
tbsp olive oil
- 3
tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2
tbsp tomato paste
- 1
tbsp lemon juice
- 1
tbsp minced garlic
- ¼
tsp cinnamon
- ¼
tsp cumin
- 1
tsp ground coriander
- ¼
tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼
tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1
small cucumber, grated and water squeezed out
- ½
cup Greek yogurt
- 1½
tsp lemon juice
- 1
tsp olive oil
- 1
tsp minced garlic
- ⅛
tsp salt
- Pinch
of black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- In a
large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken strips and
coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for
deeper flavor.
- Prepare
the vegetables: slice the capsicum and onion.
- Make
the tzatziki sauce by mixing all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Keep
refrigerated.
- Preheat
the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Line
a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the marinated chicken, onions,
and capsicum evenly. Drizzle extra olive oil.
- Bake
for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and
slightly charred.
- Remove
from the oven. Top with dollops of tzatziki sauce and fresh coriander or
diced cucumber.
- Serve
with pita bread (souvlaki) or rice, and enjoy!
Tips & Ingredient
Substitutions
✔ Swap chicken breast with
chicken thigh for a juicier result.
✔ For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt for
the marinade and tzatziki.
✔ Add other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes,
or eggplant to roast along with the chicken.
✔ For a gluten-free meal, serve with rice or
gluten-free pita.
✔ Leftovers make an amazing shawarma wrap or salad
the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the
tzatziki the day before.
Q2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, chicken thighs will make it even juicier and more flavorful.
Q3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the tzatziki in
airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q4. What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
Pita bread, rice, couscous, or a simple green salad are all great choices.
Q5. Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the marinated raw chicken, but not the cooked chicken or
tzatziki.
While technically you can freeze cooked chicken, it's
not recommended for dishes like Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma. Here's why:
- Texture
Change: Freezing and reheating cooked chicken breast often makes it
dry and rubbery, especially since chicken breast is already a lean cut
with low fat content. Shawarma is supposed to be juicy and tender, so
freezing ruins its best quality.
- Flavor
Loss: The spices and yogurt marinade give the chicken deep flavor and
moisture. When you freeze and thaw it after cooking, a lot of this flavor
is lost or dulls down.
- Tzatziki
Sauce is Not Freezer-Friendly: Tzatziki has yogurt and cucumber, both
of which become watery and grainy when frozen and thawed. It is best made
fresh for the creamiest texture.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—an easy, flavorful, and healthier take on
the iconic Chicken Shawarma! Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner,
meal prep, or a casual get-together, this sheet pan recipe will surely impress.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below,
share your twist on it, or tag me on Instagram @CookWithJuyea.
Looking for more easy sheet pan dinners?
👉
Check out my Sheet Pan Sausages & Veggies.
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