Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

Picture this: layers of juicy, spiced chicken stacked high, each bite bursting with flavors of garlic, cumin, paprika, and just the right hint of tanginess. This Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is a game-changer—both in terms of taste and presentation. Trust me, it’s a showstopper. You won’t believe how easy it is to prepare such a flavorful and visually stunning dish!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

This recipe takes your classic shawarma to the next level, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it in wraps, over rice, or alongside fresh pita bread, the possibilities are endless for how to enjoy this dish.

Budget-Friendly: Chicken is an affordable protein that absorbs all the spices beautifully, making this a cost-effective yet luxurious meal.

Quick and Easy: While it may look like a complicated dish, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep and oven time. Once you assemble the layers, the oven does all the hard work for you.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels or add your favorite shawarma toppings, like pickles, lettuce, or tomatoes.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s always a hit at family gatherings or casual get-togethers. This tower of shawarma brings excitement to the table and guarantees satisfied guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• Chicken Thighs (boneless and skinless): Tender and juicy, chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe, staying moist while baking.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken stay moist and ensures it cooks beautifully in the oven.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that unmistakable flavor that makes shawarma so special.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a lovely tang to balance the spices.
• Ground Cumin: A warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in shawarma seasoning.
• Ground Paprika: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle smokiness.
• Ground Coriander: For a fresh, citrusy undertone.
• Ground Turmeric: A vibrant color and a hint of warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a little sweetness and complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

For the Tower Construction:

• Pita Bread or Flatbreads: To layer the shawarma, creating that iconic tower look and adding a bit of chewiness to each bite.
• Fresh Parsley: For a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Tahini Sauce or Garlic Sauce (optional): Drizzle over the finished shawarma tower for added creaminess.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can create this mouth-watering Chicken Shawarma Tower:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Shawarma Tower: Start by placing a piece of pita or flatbread at the bottom of the baking sheet. Then, take the marinated chicken thighs and stack them on top, layering them one on top of the other to form a tower. Alternate between the chicken and more pita pieces until you’ve stacked the shawarma high!
4. Bake the Shawarma Tower: Place the tower in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Finishing Touches: Once the shawarma tower is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the chicken moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken shawarma tower into wedges and serve with your favorite sides, like hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh cucumber salad. Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce for that authentic touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on the amount of oil used and toppings)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a fresh and tangy cucumber and tomato salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil.
• Pair with warm, fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
• Wrap it up in fresh pita bread, topped with a dollop of garlic sauce and some pickled vegetables.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but chicken thighs give the dish extra juiciness.
• If you like your shawarma with a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated for a quick meal. You can even use the leftover chicken in wraps or salads!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, but chicken breasts may not be as tender and juicy as thighs. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
   Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the shawarma tower.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free pita bread or flatbread to make this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
4. What if I don’t have an oven?
   You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Just cook each side of the chicken for about 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then assemble the tower on the stove.
5. What other spices can I add?
   You can experiment with adding allspice, cardamom, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
6. Can I make the chicken shawarma spicy?
   Yes! Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
7. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes, lamb, beef, or even tofu can be used as an alternative to chicken for this recipe.
8. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooked through.
9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked shawarma tower for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
10. How can I make the shawarma more crispy?
    You can broil the shawarma for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time to get a crispy, golden crust on top.

Conclusion

This Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is a delicious and visually stunning dish that’s sure to wow your family or guests. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and crisp pita layers, it’s a fun and flavorful take on traditional shawarma. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!

Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

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Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish where marinated chicken pieces are stacked in a tower and baked to perfection, creating a deliciously crispy and juicy shawarma. Served with a side of garlic sauce, vegetables, and pita bread, it’s a perfect crowd-pleasing meal.

• Author: Grace Sullivan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Oven-baked
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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• For the Marinade:
• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Shawarma Tower:
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic sauce (or more to taste)
• Salt and water to adjust consistency

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Assemble the Shawarma Tower: On the prepared baking sheet, layer the marinated chicken, sliced onions, and bell peppers in a tower-like shape. The chicken should be stacked to form a small tower or mound. Press gently to compact the layers.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy on the edges.
5. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic sauce, and salt in a bowl. Add water little by little to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven. Serve the Shawarma Tower with the tahini garlic sauce, fresh pita bread, and vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Notes

• This dish can be served with a side of rice or in a wrap for a different presentation.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference for more or less heat.
• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate with sauce and pita
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg