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Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner Recipe


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner is a flavorful and easy-to-make Middle Eastern-inspired meal featuring marinated chicken thighs roasted with onions and served with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, and toasted pita bread. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines fragrant spices and fresh ingredients for a deliciously balanced plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Chicken

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp. full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt (2 tsp. for marinade, plus extra as needed)
  • 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2” strips

Tahini Yogurt Sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon (from the zest and juice listed above)
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Cucumber-Tomato Salad

  • 3 mini cucumbers, finely chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
  • Heavy pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Other

  • 2 small red onions, sliced into 1/4” to 1/2″ wedges
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for onions)
  • Toasted pita bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, tomato paste, ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb the spices and juices.
  3. Make the Tahini Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the grated garlic, tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
  4. Prepare the Cucumber-Tomato Salad: In a medium bowl, toss the finely chopped cucumbers and quartered cherry tomatoes with a heavy pinch of kosher salt and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Chill this fresh salad until serving time.
  5. Prepare the Onions: Place a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, toss the sliced red onions with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.
  6. Arrange for Roasting: On a large baking sheet, spread the onion wedges in a single layer. Arrange the marinated chicken strips around the onions, ensuring everything sits flat and isn’t crowded.
  7. Roast the Chicken and Onions: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and some pieces are lightly charred for extra flavor.
  8. Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and top the chicken and onions with the tahini yogurt sauce and the cucumber-tomato salad. Serve immediately with toasted pita bread on the side.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours if time allows.
  • You can use chicken breast strips as a leaner alternative to thighs, but cooking times may vary.
  • The tahini yogurt sauce can be prepared in a food processor for a fluffier texture.
  • To keep the pita warm, wrap it in foil and place in a low oven while the chicken cooks.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control spiciness according to your preference.
  • Leftover chicken shawarma can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and is great for wraps or salads.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (includes chicken, sauce, salad, and pita)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: chicken shawarma, sheet pan dinner, Middle Eastern chicken, roasted chicken thighs, tahini yogurt sauce, easy weeknight meal