Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This vibrant Middle Eastern dish combines tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic shawarma spices with a colorful medley of vegetables roasted together on a single sheet pan. The preparation is straightforward, requiring only 15 minutes of active work before roasting for 30 minutes to achieve a tender, juicy result with beautifully caramelized edges. Served warm with soft flatbreads and tangy yogurt, this meal offers a balance of savory, smoky, and fresh flavors perfect for a busy weeknight. Optional substitutions allow for gluten-free or vegan variations, making it versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:59:00 GMT
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, golden chicken and roasted vegetables served with pita and creamy yogurt. Pin It
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, golden chicken and roasted vegetables served with pita and creamy yogurt. | juniperbite.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 recipe is my go-to for busy nights because it's simple to prep and delivers amazing flavors with minimal cleanup

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 Oven:
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 Ingredients:
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
Vibrant Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma features tender chicken thighs with colorful peppers and onions, ready to eat. Pin It
Vibrant Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma features tender chicken thighs with colorful peppers and onions, ready to eat. | juniperbite.com

Preparing this dish reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathers around sharing stories and enjoying the bold flavors

Notes

Substitute chicken breasts if preferred (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes) For a vegan version use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken

Required Tools

Large sheet pan Mixing bowl Knife and cutting board Measuring spoons

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of a delicious Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, the perfect Middle Eastern dinner, full of flavor. Pin It
Close-up of a delicious Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma, the perfect Middle Eastern dinner, full of flavor. | juniperbite.com

This sheet pan chicken shawarma is a perfect combination of convenience and flavor that will quickly become a family favorite

Questions About This Recipe

What spices are used for the chicken marinade?

The marinade features cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne for a mild heat.

Can I substitute chicken thighs with other proteins?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used with a slightly reduced cooking time, or plant-based options like chickpeas or tofu for a vegan version.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy when roasting?

Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours, and roast at a high temperature while turning once halfway for even cooking.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are ideal for roasting alongside the chicken to add color and flavor.

Are there gluten-free serving options?

Yes, substitute regular pita with certified gluten-free flatbreads to keep the dish gluten-free.

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

A vibrant chicken dish with shawarma spices and roasted vegetables, easy and full of flavor.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Duration
45 minutes
Juniper Bite Chloe Fischer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Serves 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Info None specified

What You’ll Need

Chicken & Marinade

01 1.5 pounds 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

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

Step 02

Prepare marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.

Step 03

Marinate chicken: Add chicken chunks to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor.

Step 04

Arrange on sheet pan: Distribute marinated chicken, red onion wedges, bell pepper slices, zucchini half-moons, and halved cherry tomatoes evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle remaining marinade over.

Step 05

Roast: Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring 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 atop warmed breads, topping with yogurt, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.

Kitchen Gear Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always check what goes in for allergens, and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten if regular pita is used and dairy if regular yogurt is included; substitutions recommended for allergies.

Nutrition Information (each serving)

This info’s just a guide, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 33 g