Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The chicken shawarma is packed with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
Crispy and Sweet: The sweet potato fries offer a sweet and crispy contrast to the savory chicken, making for the perfect balance.
Healthy: With lean protein from the chicken and the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this a great go-to recipe for busy days.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or add different vegetables to make this meal your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Shawarma:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

For the Chicken Shawarma:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F). Alternatively, you can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato fries in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Bake the Fries: Spread the sweet potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Garnish: Once baked, sprinkle the fries with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

To Serve:

Serve the chicken shawarma alongside the sweet potato fries. For added flavor, you can drizzle garlic sauce or tahini over the chicken and fries. You can also serve the shawarma with pita bread or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Shawarma: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version of shawarma.
Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Sweet Potato Fries with a Twist: Add cinnamon and a drizzle of honey to the sweet potato fries for a sweeter variation.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: If you have an air fryer, cook the fries at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze both the chicken and the sweet potato fries. Store the cooled chicken and fries in separate freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and fries in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the fries in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes for a crispier texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but they may be a bit drier. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

How can I make the sweet potato fries crispier?

To get extra crispy fries, make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, and flip them halfway through baking. You can also try using a little cornstarch on the fries before baking.

Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought shawarma seasoning instead of making your own spice blend.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes, grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor and is a great option if you want to cook outdoors.

Can I serve this dish in a wrap?

Yes, this chicken shawarma can be served in pita bread or flatbreads for a delicious wrap. Add fresh vegetables and sauces like tahini or garlic sauce for extra flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, serve the shawarma with gluten-free wraps or just enjoy it on its own with the sweet potato fries. The spices and ingredients used in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Yes, the chicken can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. This will enhance the flavor even more.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to the chicken shawarma for extra texture and flavor.

Can I make the fries spicy?

Yes, to add heat to the sweet potato fries, you can sprinkle them with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika before baking.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Store the chicken and sweet potato fries separately in airtight containers in the fridge for easy, grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Fries is a delicious and wholesome meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The spiced chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy, slightly sweet fries, making this dish a perfect combination of savory and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or packing it for lunch, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for something tasty and nutritious

Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

Directions

For the Chicken Shawarma:

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

To Serve:

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

How can I make the sweet potato fries crispier?

Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Can I serve this dish in a wrap?

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Can I make the fries spicy?

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Conclusion