When you’re craving the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, but you don’t have time for complex preparations or a long cooking process, the Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner is the perfect solution. Not only does it bring all the classic flavors of chicken shawarma, but it also simplifies the cooking process with a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Let’s dive into this tasty and easy-to-make recipe, brought to you by the innovative Arash Hashemi Recipes, and explore how to bring the flavors of Chicken Shawarma right into your kitchen.
The Magic of Chicken Shawarma
Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a quick look at what makes Chicken Shawarma so beloved. Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish traditionally made by stacking seasoned meat on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is slowly cooked as it turns, with the outer layers being shaved off for serving. The seasoning mix typically includes garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric, all of which create a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
In the case of Chicken Shawarma, boneless skinless chicken thighs are typically used to give the dish a tender, juicy texture. When seasoned well and roasted, these chicken thighs become incredibly flavorful and can be served with pita, rice, or in a salad. This sheet pan version brings all of the same deliciousness, with none of the need for a rotisserie.
Why You Should Try This Sheet Pan Version
The Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner recipe simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. Rather than worrying about turning the meat on a rotisserie, the ingredients are simply placed on a sheet pan and baked in the oven. This makes it a fantastic option for busy individuals or anyone who loves sheet meals, which are perfect for minimal prep and easy cleanup.
The key to this dish is the combination of the seasoned chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, which roast together, soaking up all the aromatic shawarma seasoning. The result is a beautifully balanced meal that combines protein, veggies, and plenty of flavor, all on one sheet pan.
Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for extra creaminess in the marinade)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Spread:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt for a thicker spread)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and plain yogurt. Mix everything together until it forms a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures that the chicken will cook quickly and become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place the vegetables on a large sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the fridge. Arrange the chicken thighs on the sheet pan with the vegetables. Ensure the chicken pieces are spaced out evenly for proper cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Yogurt Spread: While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, prepare the yogurt spread. In a small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Serve: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked to perfection, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Serve the chicken shawarma and roasted vegetables with the yogurt spread on the side. You can serve this dish with pita bread, couscous, or even over a bed of rice. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy and Quick
This Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With just one sheet pan and minimal prep, you can have a wholesome, flavorful dinner ready in under an hour. The key is in the marinated chicken thighs, which are cooked to juicy perfection, and the roasted vegetables that bring out their natural sweetness.
Meal Prep Friendly
If you’re into meal prep, this dish is perfect for preparing multiple servings at once. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken and vegetables can be reheated easily in the microwave, or even eaten cold as part of a healthy lunch.
All the Flavor Without the Fuss
By skipping the need for a rotisserie and simplifying the cooking process, you get all the fantastic Chicken Shawarma flavors without the hassle. The spices used in this recipe give the chicken that signature shawarma taste, and roasting the vegetables alongside the chicken ensures they soak up all that seasoning, making each bite irresistible.
Variations to Try
Shred Happens Chicken Shawarma
If you prefer a shredded version of the chicken, once it’s done cooking, simply remove the chicken from the pan and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with the roasted vegetables and yogurt spread for a satisfying and textured meal.
Make It Spicy
If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinade. This will give your chicken shawarma an extra kick. You can also drizzle a spicy sauce over the top, such as harissa or sriracha, before serving.
Vegan Shawarma
For a plant-based version of this dish, try substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Marinate the chickpeas in the same shawarma spice mix, or coat the tofu in the marinade before baking it on the sheet pan. Both options will deliver a delicious vegan version of this meal.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken shawarma and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa to create a healthy bowl. Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for crunch, and drizzle with extra yogurt sauce for a fresh, satisfying meal.
The Benefits of Sheet Meals
Sheet meals, like this Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner, are an incredibly popular trend, and for good reason. They make dinner time easier and less stressful, especially for families or anyone with a busy schedule. Here are some benefits:
- One Pan, One Cleanup: With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, cleanup is incredibly simple. No need for multiple pots and pans, which makes this meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Time-Saving: Since everything cooks at once, sheet pan meals are ideal for those short on time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, you can cook everything in the oven without constant supervision.
- Versatile: The beauty of sheet pan meals is that you can use virtually any protein and vegetable combination, making them incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the chicken for beef, lamb, or even seafood, and change up the veggies depending on what you have on hand.
Conclusion
The Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of traditional shawarma into your home without the need for a rotisserie. Thanks to Arash Hashemi Recipes, this simple and flavorful recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, roasted vegetables, and a creamy yogurt spread creates a well-balanced meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it with pita, rice, or in a salad, you’re guaranteed to love this simple yet satisfying dinner.
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