This easy keto chicken shawarma just needs some time to marinate in the tasty spice paste and then it’s grilled or roasted and you’re ready to eat! Loaded with bold flavors, this is our new favorite keto chicken recipe! Bonus points for being high protein, dairy free, Squeaky Clean Keto, and even Whole 30 compliant!
Ok so full disclosure, this isn’t truly a shawarma because it isn’t cooked on a rotisserie (although you certainly could!) and shaved off to order like the traditional version. That being said, the flavors in the marinade are pretty on point, and I don’t think you’re going to mind that this easy keto chicken shawarma is grilled or roasted instead of turned on a spit!
It’s juicy, and flavorful, and oh so delicious!!!
Shawarma is traditionally served on some kind of bread like a pita, which of course was out for keto – unless you want to serve it on a homemade low carb tortilla or even a store-bought low carb tortilla or pita.
I served my easy keto chicken shawarma with the rest of the usual suspects – my tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, some cauliflower couscous, and a little arugula thrown in for color.
Being completely honest here – we never even missed the bread! And I don’t think you will either!
If you enjoy Middle Eastern flavors like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, paprika, etc. then you’re going to LOVE this easy keto chicken shawarma! We grilled ours, but you could just as easily pan fry or roast your chicken and get excellent results as well.
Just be sure not to overcook it!
This keto chicken shawarma recipe is only moderately spicy as is, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper amount in either direction to get the heat to your liking.
To up the fat content, you could absolutely make this easy keto chicken shawarma with boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts – I just couldn’t get them here in Honduras.
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Easy Keto Chicken Shawarma – Low Carb
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy keto chicken shawarma is juicy and loaded with so many bold flavors that you’ll never miss the traditional bread! Low carb, Atkins, Paleo, Whole 30, dairy free
Ingredients
For the chicken shawarma:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the tahini sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste if desired
Instructions
For the chicken shawarma:
- Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix well.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and turn to make sure it’s completely coated.
- For most flavorful results, marinate overnight – otherwise 2 hours will do it.
- Preheat the grill to 500 degrees F.
- Cook the chicken on the grill over direct heat, for about 4 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 160 degrees.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes (it will continue to cook.)
- Slice and serve with the tahini sauce and side dishes of your choice.
For the tahini sauce:
- Combine all of the tahini sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir well until smooth.
Notes
Alternative method: After marinating, pan fry the shawarma on medium high heat in a nonstick pan for about 4 minutes per side or until cooked through. OR roast in a 400 degree oven for 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Net carbs per serving = 0g.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Keto chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces chicken, 1 tablespoon tahini sauce
- Calories: 274
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
Brittany York says
By far the favorite recipe in our household!! My fiancé requests this more than any other thing we’ve tried! So full of flavor and delicious!
Mellissa Sevigny says
That’s a great compliment Brittany, thank you! 😘
Rick L Voyles says
Great flavor definitely need to let it sit at least over night the longer the better.
Kathy says
This recipe was E X C E L L E N T. We just started keto two weeks ago and this is hands-down the best recipe we’ve tasted yet. Thank you for sharing this. We’ll be making this frequently.
Mellissa Sevigny says
So happy to hear this Kathy, thank you!
Angela King says
That’s so funny I just started keto too and That’s why I looked this up too!!! I’m excited to make it!!!
Shannon Carter says
This is excellent. I’ve been eyeing this recipe for a long time and finally made it for company tonight. My slices weren’t as perfect as yours, Mellissa, but the flavor makes up for presentation. The chicken doesn’t need the tahini sauce but it is delicious together nonetheless. I served it with a cauliflower rice pilaf and a cucumber/red onion/kalamata salad. A budget friendly meal, too. Its going in my regular rotation! Thank you!
Dianne Goldstone says
The chicken was so moist and tasty. Lovely recipe and one I will be using on a regular basis. Thank you. It was simply delicious.😋
Elizabeth Brown says
Thanks so much! My husband loves Shawarma and really likes this recipe!
Michelle A says
I think I’ll use the cast iron skillet to sear and then bake. I can’t wait to taste it. ?
Darlene says
Does the nutritional info include the tahini as well or would that be an additional count?
Peekiesmom says
This is a favorite around here! Such an excellent recipe. I always cook it in the oven but I imagine grilled wouldn’t be even better! It’s zero carbs, but don’t you have to count the spices? Not trying to be “that girl” but I don’t want to go over 20 grams. Thanks for all your great work!
Mellissa Sevigny says
The spices do contain minimal carbs but not all of it stays on the chicken and when you divide it up between all of the servings it is around .2g per serving – therefore zero. Feel free to count 1g if it makes you feel better though!
kerri says
Before I went LowCarb, every Thursday I would eat at the Mediterranean restaurant and would have chicken shawarma and I have missed it terribly… but you, being the awesome person you are have made my taste buds very happy! My kids, under 9, said this chicken was the bestest ever(and that’s high praises from a mcnuggest meat eater only)…. thank you for the time you take to create these wonderful dishes!
Mellissa Sevigny says
That is high praise, thank you!
Louise says
Thank for this recipe. It is delicious. Made taboulé ( replacing bulgar by hemp hearts) to serve with it.