Easy Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
A flavorful stacked chicken shawarma baked in the oven for a juicy, spiced, and easy homemade Middle Eastern-style meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking / Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, sliced)
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)
1 tbsp plain yogurt (optional, for tenderness)
1 onion, sliced (for layering or base)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and all spices. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Build the Shawarma Tower
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a loaf pan or baking dish with parchment paper.
Layer sliced onions at the bottom. Stack marinated chicken tightly, pressing down to form a compact “tower.”
3. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45–55 minutes.
Remove foil in the last 10–15 minutes to allow the top to brown and crisp.
4. Rest and Slice
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after baking. Carefully remove from the pan and slice thinly like shawarma.
5. Serve
Serve in pita bread, wraps, rice bowls, or with salad and garlic sauce.
Notes
Chicken thighs give the juiciest result, but breasts can be used.
Pressing the chicken tightly helps create the “shawarma tower” effect.
For extra flavor, drizzle juices from the pan over sliced chicken.
Add pickles, tahini, or garlic sauce for authentic shawarma-style serving.
