Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner
A bold, high-protein shawarma made on one pan for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
What they are
This recipe started on a night when I didn’t want to cook but still wanted something that tasted amazing. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with unreal smells and gives you that “I actually cooked” feeling without much effort. The yogurt marinade makes the chicken tender and packed with flavor, and the whole thing comes together on one pan. You’ll make it once and it’ll be in your regular rotation.
Why You'll Love It
You’ll love this one because it’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a complete meal that feels restaurant-quality but comes together with almost no cleanup. Between the juicy chicken, roasted onions, and cool yogurt sauce, every bite hits perfectly.
🥗 Balanced and satisfying – full of protein, flavor, and freshness in every serving.
⏱️ Easy cleanup – everything cooks on one pan.
💪 Big flavor, simple steps – tastes like takeout but made at home.
What Makes it Work
The chicken thighs bring all the protein and richness while the Greek yogurt marinade locks in moisture and gives that classic shawarma tang. Red onions add sweetness as they roast, and the cucumber yogurt sauce keeps everything fresh and balanced. With the right mix of herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s bold flavor without any extra work.
Ingredients Swaps and Additions
This recipe works with whatever you have on hand. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer something leaner, or use shrimp or tofu for a lighter option. Add bell peppers or zucchini to the sheet pan for extra veggies. If you like it spicier, add chili flakes or a drizzle of harissa.
What to Serve With This
This meal holds up on its own, but it’s great with a simple base. Try it over rice, Kaizen low-carb rice, or in a pita with extra herbs and sauce. You can also serve it alongside a salad or roasted veggies for more crunch and color.
FAQS
This meal holds up on its own, but it’s great with a simple base. Try it over rice, Kaizen low-carb rice, or in a pita with extra herbs and sauce. You can also serve it alongside a salad or roasted veggies for more crunch and color.
How to Store
Store the cooked chicken and onions in one container and the yogurt sauce separately. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Add the sauce and fresh herbs when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner
This bold and flavorful oven-baked shawarma delivers juicy marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, all made on a single pan. Perfect over rice, in a pita, or with a low-carb base like Kaizen rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Other: 2–6 hours (marinating)
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
MACROS:
417 Calories • 48g Protein • 17g Carbs • 3g Fiber • 14g Net Carbs • 19g Fat
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips or chunks
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp thyme or oregano
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1/3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium red onions, cut into wedges
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 tbsp sumac
For the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Persian cucumber, finely diced
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 small shallot, finely shredded or processed
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings & Sides:
- Chopped parsley, mint, or dill
- Diced cucumber
- Extra sumac
- Fresh lemon juice
- Kaizen low-carb rice, regular rice, quinoa, or pita
DIRECTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, thyme or oregano, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for 2–6 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- Before cooking, remove chicken from the fridge and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment. Spread chicken evenly and arrange red onion wedges around it. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sumac.
- Bake for 37–40 minutes until chicken is browned and onions are soft.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, dill, shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Top cooked chicken with dollops of yogurt sauce, fresh herbs, diced cucumber, extra sumac, and lemon juice. Serve as-is or over your favorite base.
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