Hey there, fellow foodie! If you love the bold, aromatic spices of shawarma, then you’re in for a real treat with this one. Imagine all the flavors you adore from your favorite shawarma, but this time—without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven takes the best of shawarma and transforms it into an easy, baked masterpiece that’s going to have your mouth watering just thinking about it!
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Get ready for a tower of tender, perfectly spiced chicken, crispy edges, and a medley of flavors all coming together in one glorious dish. Trust me, this one is a showstopper. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
Flavor Explosion: If you’ve ever had shawarma, you know it’s all about those mouthwatering spices. This recipe brings all the goodness of shawarma into one easy-to-make, oven-baked dish. From cumin to garlic, the flavors are bold and savory, with a little touch of warmth from the spices.
No Grill, No Problem: Don’t have a grill? No worries! This recipe is designed for your oven, so you can get that shawarma flavor without stepping outside. It’s just as tasty, I promise.
Fun and Impressive: A “tower” of chicken? It’s not just delicious—it’s a conversation starter. You can serve it up at your next dinner party or family meal and watch everyone’s eyes light up. This dish is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe makes it easy to recreate those shawarma flavors without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s filling, so it’s a win-win.
Quick and Easy: This is the perfect recipe when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours of prep. Just throw it in the oven and let the magic happen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven—it’s simple, but the results are so worth it.
- Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish. Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and absorb all the shawarma flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. It gives the chicken that irresistible scent!
- Ground Cumin: The warm, earthy flavor that brings the shawarma spices to life.
- Ground Coriander: Another essential spice that adds a citrusy depth to the dish.
- Ground Paprika: A smoky kick that adds to the complexity of the flavor.
- Ground Turmeric: A subtle spice that adds color and a gentle warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch of cinnamon gives this dish a unique touch and makes it truly special.
- Olive Oil: To bring everything together and ensure the chicken stays moist while baking.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and balance to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A bit of fresh green parsley adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness at the end.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give your chicken that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it forms a fragrant marinade. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade, making sure every piece is covered in those delicious spices. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
Assemble the Tower: Start stacking your marinated chicken thighs vertically in a baking dish. Build a tower of flavor, with each thigh slightly overlapping the one before it. The more vertical the stack, the more dramatic the presentation!
Bake to Perfection: Place the chicken tower in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on top. The heat will melt the spices into the chicken, creating those amazing flavors.
Finishing Touches: Once it’s out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps retain all the juicy goodness inside. After resting, carefully slice the chicken into strips or just serve as is.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven with a side of warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or a creamy yogurt sauce to dip. It’s a showstopper that’s guaranteed to be the star of your meal.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
This dish pairs beautifully with a few delicious sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more special:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the savory chicken.
- Pita Bread or Flatbread: Warm pita is ideal for scooping up the juicy chicken and any sauce you serve with it.
- Yogurt Sauce: A cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce complements the spices of the shawarma beautifully.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini will add extra flavor and color to your plate.
- Pickles: A little tang from pickles is a classic pairing with shawarma, balancing out the rich flavors.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to really soak in.
- Add Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the marinade.
- Make It a Wrap: Turn your shawarma into a wrap by adding the chicken to a pita with some veggies, sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter option, you can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though the thighs do provide more flavor and juiciness.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though they may not be as juicy as thighs. Just be sure to watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Marinate the chicken in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dish.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Once the chicken is cooked, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Q5: Can I add veggies to the tower?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add sliced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the chicken tower for extra flavor.
Q6: How do I reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q7: Can I cook this on a grill instead of the oven?
A7: Yes! If you have a grill, feel free to cook the chicken there for a smokier flavor.
Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add more cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
Q9: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A9: You can, but bone-in chicken will require longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly.
Q10: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A10: Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers and enjoy it throughout the week.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven! A delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings all the amazing shawarma flavors right into your home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing your guests, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Tower is a delicious and visually impressive dish made with marinated chicken thighs stacked and baked to perfection. The savory spices, combined with the juicy chicken, create an unforgettable flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something a bit different! #ChickenShawarma #ShawarmaTower #OvenBakedShawarma #MiddleEasternRecipes #ChickenThighs #HealthyDinner #EasyShawarma #HomemadeShawarma #FamilyDinner
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 10 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely grated)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp ground sumac
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Place the first oven rack on the bottom shelf of the oven. Remove the second rack, as you’ll need it later to stabilize the chicken tower. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the marinade ingredients: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Onion Base: Cut the onion in half. Place the onion halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Insert a skewer into each onion half to create a stable base for the chicken tower.
- Build the Chicken Tower: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, stacking them to form a vertical tower.
- Stabilize and Bake: Transfer the chicken tower to the preheated oven. To keep the tower stable, place the second oven rack on the top shelf, positioning the skewers between the bars. Bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken bakes, prepare the pickled onions. Combine the sliced red onion with lemon juice, sumac, and salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the Shawarma: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully lift the chicken tower from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice off the edges of the tower, cutting the meat thinly as you go. Serve with the marinated red onions and any additional toppings of your choice.
- Store Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don’t have skewers, you can arrange the chicken in a vertical stack on a baking sheet instead.
- Feel free to serve the Shawarma with a side of garlic sauce, hummus, or pita bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg