Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with an incredible dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East straight to your kitchen — the Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe is a mouthwatering, fun, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy the classic shawarma taste without the need for a spit or grill. Imagine juicy, perfectly spiced chicken stacked high, layered with sweet onions, all roasted to golden perfection inside your oven. This recipe is a surefire way to impress anyone at your table with a centerpiece that looks as fantastic as it tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building a deep, aromatic flavor profile and tender, juicy texture. From fragrant spices to creamy yogurt and bright lemon juice, every element combines to create a truly unforgettable meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for tender, juicy shawarma with extra flavor; breasts work too if you prefer lean meat.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps carry the spices evenly over the chicken.
- Ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth essential in traditional shawarma seasoning.
- Ground coriander: Adds light citrus notes that brighten the overall flavor.
- Ground paprika: Contributes a smoky depth and vibrant color.
- Ground turmeric: Offers beautiful golden hues and subtle earthiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides a gentle sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- Ground allspice: Combines flavors of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon to deepen the taste.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory punch without overpowering.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and slight zing to balance the profile.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the marinade and tenderizes the meat.
- Plain yogurt: Keeps the chicken tender while adding creamy tang.
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar: Lends acidity to elevate flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Small onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and moisture between chicken layers.
- Extra olive oil for drizzling: Helps crisp the tower’s exterior during baking.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of fresh green for garnish and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing together all the spices, olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until you have a fragrant, colorful marinade. This mixture is the heart of your Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe, infusing the chicken with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors that will make every bite sing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat your chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each piece is well covered. Pop the bowl into the fridge for at least an hour, but ideally overnight to let the spices seep deep into the meat. This step allows your chicken to soak in those complex tastes, ensuring juicy, flavorful results.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased to keep things easy and prevent sticking. The right temperature is crucial to creating that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside on your Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Tower
Here’s the fun part — start stacking the marinated chicken thighs upright on the baking sheet, one on top of the other to form a tower shape. Between each chicken layer, nestle thinly sliced onions for sweetness and moisture. This vertical construction is what makes the Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe so visually impressive and unique.
Step 5: Bake
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the assembled tower and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). The top should turn nicely browned and a little crispy, creating the signature texture of shawarma.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the chicken tower rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices settle. Then carefully slice down the sides into thin strips, making sure to capture those crispy, flavorful edges. Serve your shawarma alongside warm pita, fluffy rice, or a refreshing salad — drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce for extra indulgence.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley right before serving lends a lively contrast to the bold, spiced chicken and adds a touch of color that makes the dish even more inviting. You can also sprinkle sumac or drizzle a little extra lemon juice to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Traditional rice pilaf, fluffy pita bread, or crispy roasted vegetables complement the Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe beautifully. For a lighter touch, try a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad tossed with a lemony dressing to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliced shawarma stacked high on a platter surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces — think garlic tahini, spicy harissa, or cool yogurt cucumber sauce. You could also wrap the sliced pieces in warm pita with fresh veggies and herbs for delightful shawarma wraps that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shawarma strips by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain that delicious taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your shawarma in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the edges crispy. Microwaving is okay for convenience but may soften some of the crispiness. A quick broil at the end can revive that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving with this recipe, boneless chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating for at least one hour will infuse plenty of flavor, but letting it rest overnight brings out even deeper seasoning and tenderness. If short on time, one hour still yields great results.
What can I serve instead of pita bread?
If pita isn’t your thing, try serving the shawarma with rice, flatbread, or even wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
Is the layering of onions necessary?
Onions add moisture and sweetness that balance the spices beautifully, and they soften wonderfully when baked. You can omit them if you don’t have any on hand, but they add a lovely flavor dimension.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your spice mix, or serve with a hot sauce or chili garlic sauce on the side to turn up the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe — it transforms a beloved street food into an easy, elegant home-cooked feast that will wow your family and guests alike. Give it a try and watch as the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen, delivering a delicious experience everyone will ask for again and again.
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Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Tower is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs stacked vertically to create a tower and baked in the oven until juicy and crispy. Infused with spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and allspice, the shawarma is tender and aromatic. Layered with thinly sliced onions and drizzled with olive oil, it makes for an impressive and delicious main course served with pita bread, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for layering)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, garlic powder, ground ginger, lemon juice, plain yogurt, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all spices are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Shawarma Tower: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces vertically on the prepared baking sheet, stacking them one on top of the other to form a tower shape. Layer thinly sliced onions between each chicken piece to add moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Drizzle the stacked chicken tower with a small amount of olive oil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outer edges become slightly browned and crispy.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully slice downward through the tower into thin strips, ensuring you capture some of the crispy crust. Serve the shawarma with pita bread, rice, or salad. Optionally drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop the sliced chicken shawarma for a fresh and vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs yield juicier results.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as pita, rice, salad, or sauces like tahini or garlic yogurt sauce.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
