Looking for a unique twist on taco night? Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos are here to change the game! Combining the irresistible flavors of classic chicken shawarma with the convenience and fun of tacos, this dish is perfect for anyone craving a fusion of Middle Eastern spices and Mexican flair. The juicy, spiced chicken is paired with fresh toppings and wrapped in soft tortillas, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on any busy weeknight.

I first tried chicken shawarma at a small Middle Eastern restaurant, and I was blown away by the combination of spices and tender, juicy chicken. Inspired by this experience, I decided to try making my own version at home and paired it with the familiar comfort of tacos. The result was nothing short of magical! It’s quickly become a family favorite, and every time I serve these tacos, they disappear in minutes. The combination of spices, tangy yogurt sauce, and crunchy toppings is simply unbeatable.

What I love most about this Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos recipe is how adaptable it is. You can customize it based on your preferences—add more heat with some chili flakes, swap out the toppings to suit your tastes, or even make it a little healthier by opting for a low-fat yogurt sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, making dinner for the family, or just craving something different, these tacos are always a hit.

Why This Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos?

Selling Points:

• Flavorful Spice Blend: The shawarma marinade is packed with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika for a delicious, rich flavor.
  
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: These tacos come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
  
• Customizable Toppings: You can add your favorite taco toppings such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or even avocado.
  
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean chicken and fresh veggies, this dish offers a healthier alternative to traditional tacos.
  
• Family-Friendly: The combination of tender chicken and easy-to-eat tacos is sure to please everyone at the table.
  

What You Need for Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Taco Tortillas: 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Shredded lettuce
• Pickled onions
• Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado

How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
   In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add the chicken strips to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you have time).
   
3. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, and set aside.
   
4. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
   
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. Place a few pieces of the cooked chicken on each tortilla.
   
6. Top with Fresh Ingredients:
   Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the chicken and add your desired toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and fresh parsley.
   
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro or crumbled cheese, and serve with a side of lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Enjoy these delicious tacos with your favorite sides!
   

Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

• Marinate the Chicken Longer: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to an hour, or even overnight, to allow the spices to infuse the meat.
  
• Add Heat: If you prefer a spicy kick, sprinkle some chili flakes, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños over the tacos.
  
• Grill the Chicken: If you have a grill, feel free to grill the chicken strips for a smoky flavor.
  
• Use Whole Wheat Tortillas: For a healthier option, opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
  
• Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding roasted vegetables or even a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  
• Yogurt Sauce: Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a vegan version.
  
• Tortillas: If you’re gluten-free, use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps.
  

Make a Healthier Version

To make this dish even healthier, consider these adjustments:

• Use Less Oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil in the marinade and yogurt sauce to cut down on fat.
  
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition by loading your tacos with even more fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers.
  
• Skip the Cheese: If you want a lighter option, omit the cheese or go for a lower-fat cheese like feta or cotija.
  

Closing for Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

These Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos are a fantastic fusion of two beloved cuisines—Middle Eastern and Mexican. The tender, spiced chicken paired with a creamy yogurt sauce and fresh toppings makes for a meal that’s as flavorful as it is fun to eat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or get creative with your own additions, these tacos are guaranteed to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
   Yes! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat.
   
2. Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! You can substitute beef or lamb for chicken. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you use.
   
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Add more chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh sliced jalapeños to the chicken or as a topping.
   
4. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
   Yes! Grilling the chicken will give it a delicious smoky flavor and a nice char.
   
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
   
6. Can I use a different sauce?
   Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute the yogurt sauce with tahini sauce or a garlic-lime dressing.
   
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   If you use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
   
8. Can I make these tacos without the yogurt sauce?
   Of course! You can leave out the yogurt sauce or replace it with a simple tahini sauce or hummus.
   
9. How can I make the tacos crunchier?
   You can toast the tortillas lightly in a skillet or bake them for a few minutes to give them a crisp texture.
   
10. Can I freeze the chicken?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
    

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of shawarma in a fun, easy-to-make taco form. With juicy, spiced chicken, fresh toppings, and a creamy yogurt sauce, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, they’re as customizable as they are delicious—so give them a try and enjoy a meal full of flavor!

Easy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)

• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon

• Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon

• Ground Paprika: 1 teaspoon

• Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon

• Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon

• Salt & Pepper: To taste

• Taco Tortillas: 8 small flour or corn tortillas

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

• Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Toppings (optional):

• Chopped tomatoes

• Sliced cucumbers

• Shredded lettuce

• Pickled onions

• Crumbled feta or cotija cheese

• Fresh cilantro

• Sliced avocado

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
• Marinate the Chicken:
• Add the chicken strips to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you have time).
• Make the Yogurt Sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
• Assemble the Tacos:
• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. Place a few pieces of the cooked chicken on each tortilla.
• Top with Fresh Ingredients:
• Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the chicken and add your desired toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and fresh parsley.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro or crumbled cheese, and serve with a side of lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Enjoy these delicious tacos with your favorite sides!