Looking for a fresh, flavorful way to serve chicken breast? These Grilled Chicken Shawarma Skewers are exactly that. The chicken is marinated in a warm, curry-like blend of spices, then grilled to juicy perfection for a dish that’s bold, simple, and crowd-pleasing.
Juicy Grilled Chicken Shawarma Skewers
Grilling is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. There’s something about charred marks and smoky flavor that brightens any meal. These skewers bring that same grilled satisfaction while offering an exciting twist: shawarma-inspired seasoning. Using simple boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a fragrant spice mix, and a quick marinade, you’ll transform ordinary chicken into skewers full of warmth and depth.
You don’t need a professional shawarma rotisserie to enjoy these flavors at home. The recipe captures the characteristic spices of shawarma—paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon—then delivers them on the grill for a lovely roasted finish.
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern preparation where thinly sliced meat—commonly lamb, beef, or chicken—is stacked on a vertical spit, slowly roasted, and served wrapped in flatbread with vegetables and sauces. The spice profile is aromatic and slightly savory, often featuring paprika, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Compared with gyro spices (which lean toward rosemary and thyme), shawarma spices have a curry-like warmth.
This recipe adapts that iconic flavor profile to kebabs: marinated cubes of chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled. Serve them straight from the skewers or remove the meat and tuck it into warm pita with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients below build a simple, balanced marinade and use cubed chicken breast for quick, even cooking.
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup.
- Lemon: Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons).
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (or substitute brown sugar).
- Cumin: 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika).
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth.
- Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
- Turmeric: 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric for color and flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish.
- Lemon wedges: For serving.
How to Make these Grilled Chicken Skewers
This recipe is straightforward and quick. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1–2 hours. Longer marinating times can change the texture because the lemon juice is acidic.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl or jar combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan and lightly oil the grates.
- Assemble skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers while the grill preheats.
- Grill: Cook the skewers 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to keep the chicken tender, juicy, and delicious.
- Use a meat thermometer: For accuracy, check that the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Discard used marinade: Don’t reuse the raw marinade. If you want extra sauce, make a fresh portion after the chicken is marinated.
- Double the batch: These skewers store well and make excellent meal prep—cook extra for salads, sandwiches, or quick dinners later in the week.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers pair nicely with a variety of sides. Serve them with flatbread or pita, a fresh tomato salad, or light vegetable sides like roasted or grilled asparagus. They also work great over rice bowls or chopped into salads for added protein.
- Flatbread or pita: Warm and soft, perfect for wraps.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: A simple, healthy accompaniment.
- Fresh salads: Tomato- and cucumber-based salads complement the warm spices.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Remove leftover chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I Freeze Grilled Chicken Skewers?
- Yes. Place cooled chicken in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan and oil the grates.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9 g |
Protein: 33 g |
Fat: 13 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
More Grilling Recipes
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill. Try these other simple recipes for inspiration and sides that pair well with grilled chicken:
- Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Dressing
- Brown Sugar Grilled Salmon
- Tequila Grilled Pineapple