Name: Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade: 2 lbs chicken breasts, pounded to an even ¼ inch thickness; 3 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly grated pepper; 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 stick butter, partially melted; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese; ¼ cup freshly minced parsley

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Oh my goodness, have you ever craved that irresistible, juicy chicken shawarma that’s perfectly spiced and packed with so much flavor it makes your taste buds do a happy dance? Well, get ready because this Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan is about to become your new favorite recipe! Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s like getting all the amazing flavors of shawarma but without the need for a fancy grill. And the best part? You get to enjoy it at home, in the cozy comfort of your kitchen.

This recipe is a game-changer! The chicken becomes so tender and flavorful, and when paired with the creamy yogurt sauce and warm, pillowy pita, it’s a complete flavor explosion. Seriously, every bite is like a mini vacation to your favorite Mediterranean spot. Whether you’re feeding your family, making dinner for friends, or just treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal, this dish ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, so there’s no stress in the kitchen—just pure deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those moments where you gather around the table, share good food, and savor every bite. Here’s why this dish will steal your heart:

Versatile:

Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, or for impressing your guests at a get-together. Picture this: you’ve had a long day, but you know in just a little while you’ll be enjoying juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in soft pita. Or maybe you’re hosting a fun dinner party, and this recipe is sure to be the talk of the evening. It’s easy to prepare, and everyone will love it!

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to pull off something this tasty. Chicken breasts and a handful of spices are all you need to make something extraordinary. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe is super simple, so even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can still make it without a hitch. Just a few simple steps, and you’ve got dinner ready to go. The best part? No complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Customizable:

Love a little heat? Toss in some cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the spiciness and stick with the classic shawarma seasoning. The beauty of this dish is that you can make it exactly how you like it.

Crowd-Pleasing:

It’s a total crowd-pleaser, guaranteed. The tender, spiced chicken and fresh toppings will win over even the pickiest eaters. You’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

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Ingredients

Let’s break it down, shall we? You’ll love how simple these ingredients are, but don’t let that fool you. The magic happens when they all come together. Here’s what you need to make this flavorful chicken shawarma:

Chicken Breasts:

This is the star of the dish! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully here. When they bake, they soak up all the delicious shawarma spices, becoming incredibly juicy and tender.

Shawarma Spice Mix:

A mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric (just to name a few) gives the chicken that authentic shawarma flavor. It’s bold, savory, and just a little earthy.

Yogurt:

We’re using yogurt to marinate the chicken, which gives it that extra creaminess and tender texture. Plus, it helps the spices really stick to the chicken.

Olive Oil:

A drizzle of olive oil brings everything together and keeps the chicken juicy while it cooks.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic gives the shawarma an irresistible aroma that will have your kitchen smelling like a Mediterranean paradise.

Lemon Juice:

A little splash of lemon juice adds the perfect tang and helps balance all those rich, savory flavors.

Fresh Herbs:

Top your chicken with a bit of fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that really completes the dish!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into these easy steps and get that shawarma baking!

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color on the outside.

Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, mix your shawarma spices, yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight if you want to prep ahead). This will allow those spices to really penetrate the chicken and give you that irresistible flavor.

Prepare Your Loaf Pan:

Lightly grease your loaf pan with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!

Assemble the Dish:

Place the marinated chicken breasts in the loaf pan, arranging them as neatly as possible. You want them to cook evenly, so don’t overcrowd the pan.

Bake to Perfection:

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. During this time, the chicken will release some of its juices, making the whole dish even more flavorful.

Add Finishing Touches:

Once your chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken nice and moist.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the chicken with warm pita bread, a drizzle of your favorite tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can even add some sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of yogurt for that authentic shawarma experience.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan

This dish is super versatile when it comes to pairing. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more delicious:

Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a crisp, refreshing salad with some lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Bread or Pita: Get some warm, crispy pita or garlic bread on the side to soak up all the delicious shawarma juices.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers make a beautiful and colorful side dish.
Sauces: Don’t forget a side of tangy yogurt sauce, hummus, or tahini for dipping!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Want to save time? Marinate the chicken the night before and let the flavors develop overnight. It’ll make cooking a breeze the next day!
Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Leftovers: If you’ve got leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch the next day—wrap the chicken in pita and top it with some fresh veggies for a shawarma-inspired sandwich.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the marinated chicken and bake it later for a quick meal. Just thaw it overnight and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another type of meat?
A1: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs work great here too, and they’ll be even juicier.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Marinate the chicken ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Just wrap the cooked chicken tightly and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just use a larger pan or two loaf pans and bake accordingly.

Q7: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A7: Think roasted veggies, a simple rice pilaf, or a tangy tabbouleh salad. The options are endless!

Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of full-fat yogurt and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

There you have it—Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan! It’s a simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, impressing friends, or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor the deliciousness—you deserve it!