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Easy Keto Chicken Shawarma Recipe 🌯

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Who says you can't bring the flavors of street food to your cozy kitchen? We're recreating this Middle East classic with our Keto Chicken Shawarma. Sounds intriguing, right? This recipe gives street food a whole new low-carb spin that aligns with your keto goals.

Chicken shawarma recipe.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this dish is very simple. Mix the marinade, slather it on some juicy chicken, and let those flavors soak in. All it takes is a quick sizzle in a hot pan, and you'll have perfectly cooked chicken. We suggest you marinate the chicken for the best taste for a day. And when you start cooking, this dish will be ready in just 30 minutes!

Chef's note

Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist or cayenne pepper for heat. If you're out of yogurt, you can swap it for keto-friendly mayonnaise. Just feel free to experiment with new ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 24 hours
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🌯Ingredients for this keto chicken shawarma recipe

Here is a simple ingredient list for this keto low-carb chicken shawarma.

  • 3 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (approximately 1 pound)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Boneless chicken thighs, chopped onions, minced garlic, plain yogurt, olive oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cayenne, salt, and butter spread out in a kitchen table.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Remember that chicken fillets cook faster than thighs, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
  • Yogurt: If you don't have yogurt for the marinade, use buttermilk or sour cream. They provide a similar flavor.
  • Olive oil: You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil.
  • Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, no worries! Use ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute for one garlic clove.

Additional ingredients

  • Lemon: Add fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest to the marinade for a fresh, tangy note.
  • Fresh herbs: Top the shawarma with chopped fresh mint or cilantro.
  • Ground coriander: Add ground coriander along with cumin for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Sesame seeds: Sprinkle these over your cooked chicken for a little crunch.
  • Avocado slices: Slice avocados and serve them with the dish for an extra boost of healthy fat.
Homemade chicken shawarma recipe.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Chicken Shawarma recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoons
  • Waxed paper
  • Tweezer
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Strainer: If you don't have a strainer, use a cheesecloth or a clean, thin cotton cloth to squeeze out the liquid from the grated onion.
  • Waxed paper: If you don't have waxed paper, use parchment paper or plastic wrap.
  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick frying pan would work just as well.
Low carb shawarma in a bowl.

How to make Keto Chicken Shawarma: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying

Preparation steps

  1. First things first, gather your ingredients and measure them.
  2. Grate the onion, and mince the garlic.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken thigh fillets in layers on waxed paper.
  4. Roll them tightly and fold the edges. Keep the wrapped meat in a freezer for a minimum of 24 hours.
  5. Remove the waxed paper and cut the chicken into strips while still frozen. Use a knife to make long, even slices by cutting the thickest part at a 45-degree angle. Gently flatten the sliced portion for even thickness.
Cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into pieces.

Cooking instructions

  1. Strain the grated onion in a mixing bowl. Save the juice and discard the leftovers.
  2. Add minced garlic, yogurt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt in the same bowl. Mix well to create a marinade.
  3. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and coat them thoroughly.
  4. Let it freeze and follow the prep steps to cut it into strips.
  5. Heat the cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
  6. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and enjoy your chicken shawarma.
Onion, minced garlic, yogurt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt placed around a mixing bowl.
Straining onion with a strainer.
Combining the strained onion liquid, minced garlic, yogurt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Marinating chicken in a marinade mixture.
Placing the chicken coated with the marinade in a wrapping paper.
Wrapping the chicken piece in a wrapping paper.
Cooking the marinated chicken slices in a cast iron pan.
Transferring the browned chicken pieces from a cast iron pan to a paper sheet.

Chef's pro tip

Slice the chicken thighs while they're still frozen. It makes cutting a breeze, giving you even slices and keeping the meat in shape while cooking.

What to serve with keto chicken shawarma?

  • Cauliflower rice: This alternative to traditional rice is an excellent base for your shawarma.
  • Grilled veggies: Eat your delicious chicken shawarma salad with grilled vegetables. You can use bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
  • Keto Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy and tangy dip made of Greek yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the dish.

How to make it healthier?

  • Reduce sodium: Use a low-sodium or salt-free version of the tomato paste, and lower the amount of added salt.
  • Use organic ingredients: Choose organic chicken thighs and vegetables.
  • Boost fiber: Add more veggies to your serving plate. A raw salad or steamed leafy greens (like kale and spinach) will boost the fiber.
Chicken shawarma served with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy boneless skinless chicken thighs: Get the boneless skinless thigh fillets from the store. You won't have to prepare it yourself.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinade: You can make the marinade and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Chop veggies: If you're serving this shawarma with a salad or grilled veggies, chop them and store them in the fridge.
Chicken shawarma served with yogurt sauce in a bowl.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Here are the best storage tips for your shawarma leftovers:

  • You can store the dish in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Don't freeze the shawarma.

Reheating tips

  • Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and reheat at medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
  • Stove: Heat a pan over medium heat, add the chicken slices, and stir occasionally until heated, typically around 5-7 minutes.
Keto chicken shawarma served with onions and chillies.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Chicken Shawarma is a must-try for all keto enthusiasts. You can make this low-carb version of traditional shawarma at home with just a few ingredients. We bet you're already craving some juicy chicken nestled in a bed of crisp, fresh greens!

Now, it's your turn to whip up this dish right in your own kitchen and share how it turns out. We can't wait to hear about it. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

There is! Use non-dairy yogurt alternatives, such as coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. They also have a tangy flavor.

Try adding a cooling element to your dish. A drizzle of keto-friendly tzatziki sauce or a sprinkle of feta cheese can help balance the heat.

Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

Yes, you can use store-bought shawarma spice mix if you have a favorite. Just be sure the ingredients are keto-friendly.

Butter adds a rich flavor and helps with browning, but you can also use ghee or high-heat oils like avocado or coconut oil.

📖 Recipe

Keto chicken shawarma.

Keto Chicken Shawarma

Our Keto Chicken Shawarma is a keto twist on classic Middle Eastern shawarma. Packed with delicious chicken, spices and vegetables, it's a must-try!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: easy, keto shawarma, low carb
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 1 day
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 589kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 skinless boneless chicken thighs (approximately 1 pound)
  • 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped or grated
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparation steps

  • First things first, gather your ingredients and measure them.
  • Grate the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken thigh fillets in layers on waxed paper.
  • Roll them tightly and fold the edges. Keep the wrapped meat in a freezer for a minimum of 24 hours.
  • Remove the waxed paper and cut the chicken into strips while still frozen. Use a knife to make long, even slices by cutting the thickest part at a 45-degree angle. Gently flatten the sliced portion for even thickness.

Cooking instructions

  • Strain the grated onion in a mixing bowl. Save the juice and discard the leftovers.
  • Add minced garlic, yogurt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt in the same bowl. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and coat them thoroughly.
  • Let it freeze and follow the prep steps to cut it into strips.
  • Heat the cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
  • Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the pan from heat and enjoy your chicken shawarma.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Shawarma
Amount Per Serving
Calories 589 Calories from Fat 414
% Daily Value*
Fat 46g71%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 25g
Cholesterol 194mg65%
Sodium 907mg39%
Potassium 648mg19%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 918IU18%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 70mg7%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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