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Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe Pakistani Style

Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe Pakistani Style

A flavorful Pakistani twist on the classic Middle Eastern shawarma, made with juicy marinated chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh vegetables wrapped in soft pita or naan. Perfect for a family dinner or party snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting/Marination Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Pakistani
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g boneless chicken cut into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt as needed
For Sauces
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tahini paste
  • 1 small green chutney coriander, mint, green chili mixed with 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
For Fillings
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • 1 cucumber sliced thin
  • 1 onion sliced thin
  • 1 tomato sliced thin
  • Pickles optional
For Bread
  • 4 pita breads naan, or rumali roti

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl For marinade
  • Frying Pan or Grill For cooking chicken
  • Knife & Cutting Board For slicing chicken and vegetables
  • Foil or Butter Paper For wrapping shawarma

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. Put chicken strips in a bowl.
  2. Add yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices.
  3. Mix well so the chicken is coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and keep it in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours. For best taste, keep overnight.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.
  2. Cook the chicken strips on medium heat until golden brown.
  3. Cook until soft and slightly charred for best flavor.
  4. You can also grill or bake the chicken if you like.
Make the Sauces
  1. Garlic Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, garlic paste, and lemon juice.
  2. Yogurt-Tahini Sauce: Mix yogurt, tahini paste, garlic, and lemon juice.
  3. Green Chutney Mayo: Blend green chutney and mix with mayonnaise.
Prepare the Bread and Vegetables
  1. Warm pita, naan, or rumali roti on a pan for a few seconds.
  2. Slice cucumber, onion, and tomato thinly.
  3. Shred cabbage or lettuce for crunch.
Assemble the Shawarma
  1. Place bread on a flat surface.
  2. Spread sauce on the bread.
  3. Add cooked chicken strips.
  4. Top with vegetables and pickles.
  5. Add more sauce if you like.
  6. Roll the bread tightly and wrap it in foil or butter paper.
Serve
  1. Serve warm shawarma with fries, coleslaw, or extra sauce on the side.
    Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe Pakistani Style

Notes

  • For juicier shawarma, use chicken thighs instead of breast.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
  • You can put French fries inside the shawarma for a street-style taste.
  • Use naan or rumali roti if you don’t have pita bread.
  • For a spicier version, add extra green chutney or chili sauce.
  • For kids, reduce spices and add cheese with mayo.
  • Marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.