The Chicken Shawarma Plate is a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by Middle Eastern street food and adapted for easy home cooking. This home-style version recreates that signature slow-roasted taste using a simple marinade and professional cooking methods.
My love for a traditional Shawarma Plate began in a vibrant Middle Eastern market, where the aroma of slow-roasted spices and charred garlic filled the streets. I was fascinated by the way the tender, marinated meat paired so elegantly with creamy tahini and sharp, pickled vegetables. In my kitchen, I’ve refined this recipe to capture that authentic, smokey depth while ensuring the presentation remains modern and sophisticated. It’s a dish that celebrates the harmony of bold textures and heritage flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for a gathered table.
Mastering the Balance of a Professional Shawarma Plate
The appeal of a high-quality Chicken Shawarma Plate lies in its perfect balance of textures and temperatures. In professional kitchens, the goal is to achieve a deep, charred exterior on the chicken while maintaining a succulent, juicy interior. This is achieved through a precise blend of aromatic spices—like cumin, paprika, and turmeric—paired with the acidity of lemon to tenderize the meat. When paired with fresh, crisp vegetables and a velvety sauce, the dish offers a well-rounded culinary experience that satisfies both the palate and the eyes.
What makes a Chicken Shawarma Plate so appealing is its balance. Juicy, spiced chicken is paired with fresh vegetables, fluffy rice or flatbread, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. The flavours are bold but not overpowering, making this dish popular with a wide range of eaters. It works equally well as a hearty lunch or a filling dinner and is perfect for anyone who enjoys colourful, well-rounded meals.
Professional Secrets for a Zesty Tahini Sauce
For a professional-standard finish, the accompanying sauce must be smooth, zesty, and balanced. Professional chefs recommend using high-quality tahini and grating the garlic directly into the yogurt to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed without any harsh bites. This creamy element acts as the bridge between the spiced chicken and the fresh salad, tying the entire Chicken Shawarma Plate together into one cohesive, restaurant-quality meal.
Serves: 4
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)
Flavour Profile: Savoury, aromatic, lightly spiced, and fresh
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- 800 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the plate:
- Cooked basmati rice or flatbread
- Chopped lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Pickled onions (optional)
- For the sauce:
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, spices, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavour.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred. Rest briefly before slicing.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Mix yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the plate:
- Arrange rice or flatbread on each plate. Add sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and pickled onions. Drizzle generously with sauce.
🍽 Serving and Pro-Tips
A Chicken Shawarma Plate is best served fresh while the chicken is warm and juicy. It pairs well with extra sauce on the side and can be customised with hummus, roasted vegetables, or spicy chilli sauce. This dish is ideal for meal prep, as the components store well and can be assembled quickly throughout the week.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Potassium: 780 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Calcium: 160 mg
- Iron: 3.9 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
The Chicken Shawarma Plate is a perfect example of how bold spices and fresh ingredients can come together to create a satisfying, balanced meal. With its juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce, this dish delivers flavour, colour, and comfort in every serving. It is a reliable recipe that brings variety and excitement to everyday cooking.