Baharat Chicken Shawarma (Oven-Roasted!)

Easy Weeknight Delight!

This Baharat Chicken Shawarma is a flavor-packed, low-fuss recipe made even easier with USimplySeason Baharat. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, you’ll love how effortlessly bold and satisfying this dish is.

🍽️ Servings: 4–6 | 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 2 hours or overnight marinating) | 🔥 Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

📝 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs), thinly sliced or butterflied
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (juice of about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2–3 tablespoons USimplySeason Baharat spice blend (start with 2; add more for bolder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste—USimplySeason Baharat is salt-free)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or red)

For Serving (customize to your liking!):

• Pita bread or your favorite flatbreads, warmed
• Creamy Tahini Sauce (recipe below - don't skip this!)
• Chopped fresh tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Shredded lettuce
• Pickled turnips or dill pickles (for that authentic tangy crunch!)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and freshness)
• Optional: sliced red onion, hot sauce, sprinkle of sumac

🔥 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Baharat spice, and salt. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
   • Mix in the sliced onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
3. Roast the Chicken
   • Spread the marinated chicken and onions on the baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—use two sheets if needed.
   • Roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway through. For extra crispy edges, broil for the final 3–5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
4. Shred and Serve
   • Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken directly on the pan, mixing it with the caramelized onions and juices.
   • To assemble, spread tahini sauce in warm pita, load with chicken, and add your favorite toppings. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

🌿 Creamy Tahini Sauce

The Essential Shawarma Companion!

This creamy, nutty sauce is non-negotiable for a truly authentic shawarma experience. It's incredibly easy to make and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/4–1/2 cup cold water (as needed for thinning)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Gradually add the cold water, starting with 1/4 cup, while whisking constantly. The sauce will magically transform from thick to beautifully smooth and creamy. Continue adding water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired pourable consistency.
3. Season with salt to taste.

📦 Make ahead tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If it thickens, just stir in a little water.

👩🏽‍🍳 Chef's Tips for Shawarma Success

1. Don't Skimp on the Marinade Time: This is where the magic happens! Longer marinating equals deeper flavor.
2. Thin Chicken, Even Cook: Slicing your chicken thighs thinly or butterflying them ensures they cook quickly and evenly, soaking up all that incredible Baharat flavor.
3. Taste Before Salting: Since USimplySeason Baharat is salt-free, add salt separately for perfect balance.
4. Don’t Skip the Onion: It caramelizes beautifully and adds key depth to the dish.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe doubles easily for meal prep—great for wraps, bowls, or grain salads later in the week. The Tahini Sauce can be made a day or two in advance.
6. Leftovers: Store cooked shawarma in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture. The cooked chicken also reheats well, making this a great option for tasty leftovers!
7. Customize Your Creation: Shawarma is all about personalization! Feel free to add pickled red onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of hummus to your wraps.

✨ Why You'll Love It

This dish brings big flavor with minimal effort—your home will smell like a bustling Middle Eastern market, and the taste will transport you. Thanks to the aromatic power of USimplySeason Baharat, it’s never been easier to enjoy shawarma at home.

I can't wait for you to try this Baharat Chicken Shawarma recipe! It's truly a journey for your taste buds and a fantastic way to explore global flavors right in your own kitchen.

What exciting flavors are you hoping to explore next?