This Chicken Shawarma Seasoning is a bright, lighter shawarma spice blend created specifically for chicken. It pairs warm cumin and smoky paprika with garlic and onion for a bold, authentic flavor that enhances chicken’s naturally mild taste without overwhelming it. Make a batch to keep in your pantry and use it whenever you want restaurant-style shawarma at home.
Bring the authentic flavor of shawarma to your kitchen!
If you love the flavor of shawarma from a spit but want an easy way to make it at home, this Chicken Shawarma Seasoning is your answer. Unlike heavier beef-focused blends that rely on deep, earthy spices, this mix is tuned for chicken: bright, aromatic, and savory. Mix the spices once and store the blend in an airtight jar — it will keep well and make it fast to add shawarma flavor to weeknight dinners, tacos, grain bowls, salads, and more.
The photo above shows the individual spices you’ll need, which can help you shop. The complete ingredient list with measurements appears in the recipe card below.
Ways to use it
Dry rub: Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of chicken to season boneless breasts or thighs. Rub evenly on both sides and cook as desired.
Cooking suggestions for boneless skinless chicken breasts: After seasoning, air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, roast in a 425°F oven for roughly 15 minutes, or grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking suggestions for boneless skinless chicken thighs: Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, air fry at 400°F for about 6 minutes per side, or roast at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, depending on thickness. Thighs stay juicier and are especially forgiving with bold spices.
Marinade: For a classic shawarma-style marinade, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons chicken shawarma seasoning. Add 2 pounds of chicken (breasts or thighs), ensuring the pieces are well coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. Remove from the marinade and cook by your preferred method.
A favorite use for this blend is Chicken Shawarma Tacos — mix the seasoning and marinade in about 10 minutes, refrigerate the chicken for a few hours or the day, then cook and assemble tacos in about 20 minutes for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
Chicken Shawarma Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for spice
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, the blend will keep for up to six months, though flavor is best within the first few months.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: Add the optional cayenne pepper to increase spiciness. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon depending on your tolerance.
- Portion guide: I recommend using about 2 tablespoons of this seasoning per pound of chicken when using it as a rub.
- Make a larger batch: If you want more seasoning, double the ingredient amounts to yield approximately 12 tablespoons (about 6 ounces) of mix.
- Storage tip: Use a dry spoon and airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent clumping.
Nutrition Facts
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More homemade spice blends
Using homemade seasoning mixes is one of the simplest ways to add consistent, bold flavor to everyday meals. Below are other easy blends you can make and keep on hand to speed up cooking and deepen flavor.
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
Fajita Seasoning
Italian Seasoning
