Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, roasted until golden, served with a cool tahini sauce for balanced flavor. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 160 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 130 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until chicken is fully coated, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side up, and roast for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk 1/4 cup tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth and creamy — add water if too thick.
  4. Step 4: Slice roasted chicken and serve with tahini sauce, accompanied by fresh tomatoes and cucumber slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (130 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Marinated Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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