Description
A simple, oven-baked version of classic Middle Eastern chicken shawarma, this Easy Chicken Shawarma Tower features juicy, spiced chicken thighs stacked and roasted to golden perfection. Each slice is tender, aromatic, and bursting with warm, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade:
1 lb chicken thighs
1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
1 tsp ground cumin (or coriander)
1 tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt, to taste
For the Tower Base:
1 large onion, thickly sliced (for stacking base)
For the Toppings:
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp ground sumac (or lemon zest)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a large onion into thick rounds and place it on a baking sheet to form the base.
- Stack marinated chicken thighs on top of the onion slices to form a compact tower.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). For a charred finish, broil for the last 5 minutes.
- While baking, mix red onion slices with lemon juice, sumac, and salt to create a tangy topping.
- Let the baked shawarma rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly. Serve warm with the onion topping and your choice of rice, pita, or salad.
Notes
Add turmeric or allspice to the marinade for a deeper spice blend.
Broil the last few minutes for a smoky, charred exterior.
Use chicken breasts for a leaner version, though thighs stay juicier.
Wrap sliced shawarma in pita with tahini or garlic sauce for a full meal.
Add hummus to the marinade for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
