Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant spices, super juicy chicken, and minimal cleanup, then hold tight because this Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. I absolutely love how this recipe brings all the depth of traditional shawarma flavors without the fuss of marinating overnight or grilling over a spit — instead, everything roasts beautifully on one pan, making it not just delicious but ridiculously easy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work in harmony to deliver authentic shawarma taste in the easiest way possible. I always recommend using fresh spices and full-fat Greek yogurt to get that creamy marinade that hugs every bite of chicken.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: I usually go for thighs because they stay moister, but breasts work great if you slice them thin.
• Red Onion: Thin slices add a touch of sweetness and roast up tender with the chicken.
• Greek Yogurt: Full-fat gives the marinade richness and helps tenderize the meat beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tang, balancing the spices perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps with roasting and adds healthy fat for flavor.
• Coriander: Earthy and citrusy, it’s a cornerstone of shawarma seasoning.
• Cumin: Warm, nutty, and slightly smoky – can’t skip this one!
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Smoky Paprika: Adds depth and a mild smokiness.
• Aleppo Pepper: If you don’t have this, cayenne works as a nice spicy substitute.
• Dried Thyme: Slightly earthy with a hint of mint.
• Turmeric: For that beautiful color and subtle earthiness.
• Cinnamon: Just a pinch gives a warm sweetness that’s surprisingly addictive.
• Black Pepper: Fresh crack for that mild heat.
• Cloves: Use sparingly; it adds a mysterious depth.
• Nutmeg: Just a touch, it elevates the whole spice mix.

Variations

I love tweaking this Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. It’s such a flexible dish that makes experimenting fun and stress-free.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken for thinly sliced lamb or beef for a richer flavor, and it turns out fantastic.
• Vegetarian Twist: Roasted cauliflower or chickpeas can stand in for chicken and soak up the spices beautifully.
• Heat Level: For those who like it spicy, I add extra cayenne or a drizzle of harissa after baking.
• Marinade Time: If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating still offers good flavor, but overnight is best.

How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and every spice in a large bowl. I like to whisk it until everything is really well mixed because that ensures each piece of chicken is coated with all those beautiful flavors. This step is where the magic begins—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Strips

Add your sliced chicken to the bowl and toss everything together, making sure every strip is generously covered in the marinade. I cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight if you can plan ahead. The longer it marinates, the more the spices infuse, and the yogurt tenderizes the chicken like a dream.

Step 3: Prepare and Spread on Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly oil or spray your sheet pan so nothing sticks. Spread the marinated chicken evenly in a single layer—it helps the chicken cook evenly and get those deliciously crisp edges we all love. Just before popping it in the oven, scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the top to roast alongside the chicken.

Step 4: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Bake the pan for 15 minutes, then be sure to carefully drain any excess liquid from the pan. This little trick helps the chicken brown nicely rather than steam. After draining, switch your oven to broil and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the edges are golden and slightly crisp. Keep a close eye here to avoid burning – broilers can be intense!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, serve this shawarma roast warm. Pile it into warm pita breads with your favorite toppings – I’m a sucker for cucumber slices, fresh tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of tahini or garlic yogurt sauce. Honestly, my family goes crazy for it every time.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this shawarma roast with fresh cucumber slices, juicy tomato wedges, and tangy pickles—these brighten and balance the spices perfectly. A drizzle of tahini or a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce really takes this dish to the next level, adding creaminess and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a simple chopped salad—think cucumber, tomato, parsley, and lemon dressing—or serve it over fluffy rice or couscous to soak up all those delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a warm pita on the side make the meal complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I throw all the chicken and toppings on a big platter and let everyone build their own wraps. For something special, try serving it family-style with colorful bowls of garnishes and sauces. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and it always sparks great conversation at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken shawarma roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for quick lunches or snacks, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two resting.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully—just portion the cooled chicken and onion mixture into freezer bags or containers. It lasts up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken back into a hot oven or under the broiler for just a few minutes so it regains a bit of crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible because the texture isn’t as good, but if pressed for time, microwaving with a damp paper towel helps keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Roast Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want something flavorful, fuss-free, and loved by everyone around the table. The combination of spices with that creamy yogurt marinade and simple roasting really hits home every time. I encourage you to give this one a try—you’ll find it’s an easy favorite that’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine.

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