Easy High Protein Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Makes: About 4 Servings
Per Serving: 34g Protein | 270 Cal
Recently, I made a high protein chicken shawarma recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my household. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and essential nutrients!
Why chicken shawarma?
So, what's the buzz about chicken shawarma? Originating from the Middle East, traditional shawarma is known for its succulent layers of marinated meat, slow-cooked to perfection on a rotating spit. But let's be real—most of us don't have a spit in our kitchens! That's why I've put a modern twist on this classic with an easy-to-follow sheet pan version that captures all the authentic flavors without the fuss.
Growing up in an Armenian-American home meant shawarma was a beloved regular at our table. The combination of juicy, tender meat with a rich blend of spices, and the zing from fresh toppings and sauces truly makes each bite a culinary celebration. But I know how life can get busy, so I tailored this recipe for speed and simplicity without compromising on taste or health.
Chicken shawarma is typically made with chicken thighs or breasts, spices, and lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients creates a mouth-watering marinade that infuses the chicken with a deliciously tangy and savory flavor.
This sheet pan chicken shawarma is not only a powerhouse of protein but also a time-saver that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite!
The benefits of chicken thighs
One of the main ingredients in this recipe is chicken thighs. I know that many people prefer chicken breast for its leaner protein content, however, chicken thighs work best here for a few reasons.
First, chicken thighs have a richer and more intense flavor compared to chicken breast. Second, they are more economical and budget-friendly, making them perfect for meal preps. And most importantly, chicken thighs contain more fat, which contributes to a more satisfying and filling meal.
The importance of lemon juice
Lemon juice is a staple ingredient in this recipe, and for a good reason. Not only does it add a tangy and refreshing flavor to the chicken, but it also helps tenderize the meat. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which breaks down the tough muscle fibers in the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. It also helps to enhance the flavors of the spices used in the marinade.
Trader Joe's chicken shawarma
If you're fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe's near you, then you're in luck because they carry pre-marinated chicken shawarma thighs. This makes the recipe even easier and quicker to prepare. However, if you don't have access to Trader Joe's, you can still make this recipe by marinating regular chicken thighs in the spice blend mentioned below.
The perfect spice blend
The key to a delicious chicken shawarma is in the spice blend. Here's what you will need:
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference)
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Mix all the spices together in a bowl, and then add in the minced garlic and lemon juice to create a marinade. If you're using regular chicken thighs, make sure to rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Sheet pan dinner for the win
I am a huge fan of sheet pan dinners because they are so convenient and easy to clean up. This chicken shawarma recipe is no exception. All you need to do is toss the marinated chicken thighs with sliced red onions and zucchini in a bowl with some avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, spread everything out on a sheet pan in a single layer, and bake at 380°F for 20-25 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients for your shawarma bowls.
The perfect shawarma bowl
What I love about this recipe is that it allows for customization and versatility. You can serve the chicken shawarma in different ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for shawarma bowls:
Jasmine rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, lettuce, and the chicken shawarma.
Brown rice, cherry tomatoes, and chicken.
French fries, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and the chicken shawarma.
Chicken shawarma wraps with a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and mix and match your favorite ingredients.
The perfect shawarma sauce
No chicken shawarma is complete without a delicious sauce to drizzle on top. I highly recommend making this easy and flavorful yogurt sauce to go with your shawarma bowls. Here's what you will need:
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 T tahini
Juice of half a lemon
2 T chopped dill
1 tsp garlic
5-10 mint leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This sauce pairs perfectly with the tangy and spicy flavors of the chicken shawarma.
Shawarma Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner 🥘
Ingredients
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken thighs (1.5lbs) or regular chicken thighs
- 1 whole yellow or red onion, sliced thin
- 2 zucchinis or 10 baby zucchinis sliced
- 3 T Avocado or olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Jasmine rice
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Lettuce
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 T tahini
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 T chopped dill
- 1 tsp garlic
- 5-10 mint leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- If you’re using Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs, you’re all set! Skip ahead to step 5.
- For plain chicken thighs: In a bowl, blend your shawarma spices thoroughly.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then lightly brush them with avocado oil.
- Generously coat the chicken thighs with your shawarma spice mix, ensuring they are evenly seasoned.
- Chop the onions, peppers, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Lightly brush a baking sheet with avocado oil and evenly spread out the chopped vegetables.
- Mist the vegetables with a bit more avocado oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the baking sheet, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 380°F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is juicy and tender and the vegetables are nicely roasted.
Notes
Pro Tip: For a crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
270Fat
11 gCarbs
9 gProtein
34 g• Whole pan: 1079 calories | 136g protein | 36g carbs | 43g fat
• Sauce Only: 148 calories | 20g protein | 8g carbs | 4g fat
