Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma Tower Recipe
This Easy Chicken Shawarma Tower recipe features succulent marinated chicken thighs stacked vertically on skewers and baked in the oven for a flavorful, moist shawarma experience at home. Served with tangy pickled red onions seasoned with lemon juice and sumac, this dish captures the aromatic spices and vibrant tastes of Middle Eastern street food, perfect for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma Marinade
- 10 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 1 large onion (for chicken tower base)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (finely grated)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons salt
Pickled Onion Topping
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Racks: Place one oven rack on the bottom shelf and remove the second rack from the oven; you will use it later to secure the chicken tower. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and mix thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Onion Base: Cut the large onion in half and place the halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Insert a skewer into each onion half to serve as the base for the chicken tower.
- Assemble Chicken Tower: Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers inserted in the onion halves, stacking them vertically to form a tower.
- Secure Tower for Baking: Place the baking sheet with the chicken tower on the bottom oven rack. Place the second oven rack on the top shelf and position the skewers between the bars to stabilize the tower during cooking.
- Bake Chicken Shawarma: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on oven performance.
- Prepare Pickled Onion Topping: While the chicken cooks, combine thinly sliced red onion, lemon juice, ground sumac, and salt in a bowl. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove and Transfer Chicken Tower: Once cooked, carefully slide a spatula under the chicken tower while holding the skewers for support. Lift and transfer the tower to a cutting board.
- Slice Chicken for Serving: Holding the skewers steady, use a sharp knife to slice thin pieces of chicken along the length of the skewers. Serve immediately with the pickled onions and any additional toppings.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use long skewers that are safe for oven use to build a stable tower.
- Marinate chicken overnight for more intense flavor if time allows.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve with pita bread, hummus, or tahini sauce for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken shawarma, oven-baked shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken, chicken thighs, shawarma tower, pickled onions
