Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This dish combines tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of warm spices with a colorful assortment of vegetables, all roasted together on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. Infused with garlic, lemon, and traditional shawarma spices, it delivers bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for a hassle-free family meal, this method ensures juicy chicken and tender veggies, served with fresh pita and a dollop of yogurt for contrast. Suitable for dairy-free and gluten-free adjustments, it offers a delicious, wholesome dinner option.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:41:00 GMT
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, golden chicken and roasted vegetables served with fresh pita. Pin it
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, golden chicken and roasted vegetables served with fresh pita. | smartyskitchen.com

A vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired chicken dinner, roasted on a single pan with vegetables and bold shawarma spices. Easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal.

This cozy chicken stew is one of my family favorites, always bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Marinade: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 garlic cloves, minced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground paprika, 1.5 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Vegetables: 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges, 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced, 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • To Serve: 4 pita breads or gluten-free flatbreads, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
Marinate Chicken:
Add chicken pieces to the marinade toss to coat well. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Arrange on Pan:
Arrange the marinated chicken, red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle any extra marinade over the top.
Roast:
Roast for 25 30 minutes tossing halfway through until the chicken is cooked through and golden and vegetables are tender.
Warm Bread:
Warm the pita breads or flatbreads just before serving.
Serve:
Serve chicken and vegetables on the bread topped with a dollop of yogurt chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
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Cooking this recipe always makes for a joyful family meal with lots of smiles and conversations.

Required Tools

Large sheet pan Mixing bowl Knife and cutting board Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten (if using regular pita/flatbread) Dairy (if using regular yogurt) For gluten-free and dairy-free options substitute as noted above Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 470 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 46 g Protein 33 g

Vibrant sheet pan chicken shawarma with colorful peppers and tomatoes, ready to be wrapped. Pin it
Vibrant sheet pan chicken shawarma with colorful peppers and tomatoes, ready to be wrapped. | smartyskitchen.com

This sheet pan chicken shawarma is a simple and delicious meal you can enjoy any night of the week.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What spices create the shawarma flavor?

A blend of cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper builds the rich shawarma taste.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but should be cooked 5 minutes less to avoid drying out.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Choose certified gluten-free flatbreads or omit bread for a gluten-free meal.

What vegetables are best for roasting alongside chicken?

Red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes roast well, complementing the chicken's spices.

Is there a vegan alternative for this meal?

Substitute chickpeas or tofu for chicken and use dairy-free yogurt to keep the dish plant-based.

How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor infusion.

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

A vibrant Middle Eastern chicken dish roasted with vegetables and bold shawarma spices, quick and flavorful.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots Middle Eastern

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken & Marinade

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
02 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 2 teaspoons ground paprika
07 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander
08 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
09 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 1 teaspoon salt
12 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Vegetables

01 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
02 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced
03 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
04 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

To Serve

01 4 pita breads or gluten-free flatbreads
02 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
04 Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Mix Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne in a large bowl.

Step 03

Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 04

Arrange Ingredients: Place marinated chicken, red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle remaining marinade over the top.

Step 05

Roast: Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden, and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Warm Breads: Warm pita breads or flatbreads shortly before serving.

Step 07

Serve: Serve chicken and vegetables on warm bread, topped with yogurt, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sheet pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten and dairy depending on bread and yogurt choice. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 470
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 33 g