If you’re craving a flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken shawarma dish that doesn’t require a grill or skewers, the Easy Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is your answer. This easy oven recipe captures the heart of the Middle Eastern classic but with minimal effort. With perfectly spiced chicken stacked into a tower and baked in the oven, this dish brings all the savory goodness of shawarma right into your kitchen, offering a healthier twist that will delight your taste buds.
What is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a popular street food from the Middle East, traditionally made by stacking marinated pieces of chicken on a vertical rotisserie. As the chicken slowly cooks, it crisps up on the outside, becoming tender and juicy on the inside. In this recipe, we skip the rotisserie and create a Chicken Shawarma Tower that you can easily bake in your oven, delivering all the smoky, spiced goodness without the complicated setup.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Tower
To create the perfect Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven, the key lies in the marinade. This marinade is what imparts that signature flavor. We’ll also use chicken thighs, which are more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts, making the shawarma tender and moist when baked.
For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional for a tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
For the Chicken Shawarma Tower:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Pita bread or flatbread (optional, for serving)
- Yogurt or tahini sauce (optional, for serving)
The beauty of this recipe is that all the ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish that will be the star of any meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping.
Preparing the Chicken Shawarma Marinade
The first step in making Easy Oven Chicken Shawarma is preparing the marinade. The key to this recipe is ensuring that the chicken is fully coated and marinated long enough to soak up all the spices.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice. If you’re using sumac, add it to the mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs into the bowl and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
Marinating the chicken for an extended period allows the spices to infuse the meat, making it more flavorful and tender when cooked.
Building the Chicken Shawarma Tower
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble the Chicken Shawarma Tower for baking. While this recipe is simple, there’s a bit of an art to creating the tower structure.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Begin stacking the marinated chicken thighs vertically on the baking sheet, one on top of the other, pressing them down gently. The idea is to create a tower-like structure, similar to what you’d see on a rotisserie, with the thighs forming a stack.
- Once the chicken is stacked, drizzle a little extra vegetable oil over the top to help with browning.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are golden and crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
As the chicken bakes, the juices from the chicken will help the shawarma tower stay moist while creating a delicious caramelized crust on the outside.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken shawarma tower is done, it’s time to serve. Slice the tower into thick pieces and serve with warm pita bread or flatbreads for a true shawarma experience. For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle tahini sauce or yogurt on top. The creamy texture of the yogurt or the nutty flavor of tahini pairs beautifully with the spiced chicken.
Add some fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to garnish, and you have a vibrant and delicious meal.
Variations of Chicken Shawarma
While the Easy Oven Chicken Shawarma recipe is a great base, there are other ways to mix things up based on your preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Greek Chicken Shawarma: If you’re in the mood for a Greek twist, you can use a Greek Chicken Shawarma marinade, which includes herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint. This variation pairs well with a tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
- Pork Tenderloin Shawarma: For a different protein option, try making Pork Tenderloin Shawarma. Marinate the pork tenderloin with the same spices and stack it just like the chicken. Pork offers a different but equally satisfying flavor profile for shawarma lovers.
- Chicken Shawarma Skewers: For a more traditional approach, you can cook the chicken on skewers. This gives the chicken a nice char, similar to how shawarma is often cooked on a rotisserie.
- Baked Chicken Souvlaki: For a variation that’s a bit lighter, try baking chicken souvlaki instead of shawarma. The marinade for souvlaki tends to be a bit more focused on lemon and herbs, offering a Mediterranean spin on this classic.
- Shawarma Chicken Marinade: Feel free to experiment with the marinade by adding different spices or herbs that suit your taste. For example, adding a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper can give the shawarma an extra kick.
Why Bake the Shawarma Instead of Using a Rotisserie?
The traditional method of making shawarma involves using a rotisserie. However, by creating a Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven, we eliminate the need for specialized equipment. Baking in the oven allows the chicken to retain moisture, while also getting that crisp, golden-brown crust. It’s an easier and more accessible method that still delivers a mouthwatering result.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for those who don’t have access to a rotisserie or prefer a simpler method of cooking. With minimal preparation and no special tools, you can enjoy delicious shawarma in the comfort of your home.
Tips for Perfect Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma
- Use Bone-In Thighs: While boneless, skinless thighs are the best for this recipe, if you prefer to use bone-in thighs, you can. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When stacking the chicken, make sure there’s enough space between each piece to allow the heat to circulate properly. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist.
- Experiment with Seasonings: If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, try different spice blends for your shawarma. Adding smoked paprika, garam masala, or even a hint of honey can create unique flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy the rich, savory flavors of shawarma without the need for specialized equipment. The combination of the juicy, tender chicken and the aromatic spices makes it a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or prepping it for meal prep, this oven-baked version of chicken shawarma is sure to impress. Enjoy your shawarma tower with fresh veggies, sauces, and warm pita for a complete meal that brings a taste of the Middle East right into your home.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider switching up the meat to Pork Tenderloin Shawarma, or go Greek with Greek Chicken Shawarma. There are endless ways to customize this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re making Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma or Chicken Shawarma Skewers, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion.
