Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables

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

Grilled chicken shawarma served with roasted veggies and tahini sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, bell peppers, tahini 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 400g chicken breast in a shallow dish and mix with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 200°C/400°F). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers or place in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 74°C/165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Cut 2 bell peppers into 1/2-inch thick strips. Toss them with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place on the grill alongside the chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges are charred and tender. Remove and set aside. Tip: For extra caramelization, brush the peppers with a bit of honey before grilling.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted and pliable. Spread 1 tbsp tahini onto each pita, then layer with sliced chicken, grilled bell peppers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Fold the pita into quarters and serve immediately. Tip: If the tahini is too thick, thin it with 1-2 tsp water or lemon juice for a smoother texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables?

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 Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables 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.

Is Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma with Grilled Vegetables gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes