Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken seasoned with aromatic spices, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slowly roasted until tender and flavorful. At Garlic'n Lemons in Allston, Massachusetts, it is one of the dishes our customers come back for most, whether they prefer the smoky flavor of BBQ Chicken Shawarma or the extra kick of our Spicy Chicken Shawarma.

If you've seen shawarma on a menu but aren't quite sure what it is, what it tastes like, or how to order it, you're in the right place. Here's everything you need to know before your first bite.

What Is Chicken Shawarma, Exactly?

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices, then cooking it on a vertical rotisserie. As the meat slowly roasts, its outside develops a beautifully seasoned, lightly crisp texture while the inside stays juicy and tender.

The dish has roots in the Middle East and is now enjoyed around the world. Shawarma is traditionally prepared with different types of meat, including chicken, beef, and lamb. The chicken version is especially popular for its balance of savory spices, tenderness, and versatility.

The word shawarma is associated with the turning motion of the vertical spit used to cook the meat. As the rotisserie turns, the chicken cooks gradually, allowing the outer layers to brown while the layers underneath continue to roast.

Chicken shawarma can be served in several ways. Depending on the restaurant, you might find it wrapped in pita bread, served in a sandwich, placed over rice, or accompanied by fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces.

At Garlic'n Lemons, chicken shawarma is a go-to choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal packed with flavor.

How Is Chicken Shawarma Made?

Great chicken shawarma starts well before the chicken reaches the grill. The marinade is essential because it helps build the flavor that makes the dish so distinctive.

1. The chicken is marinated

Chicken is seasoned with a mixture of spices and other ingredients that help develop its signature savory, aromatic flavor. Recipes vary, but common shawarma seasonings may include cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic, and black pepper. Some marinades also use lemon juice or yogurt to contribute acidity and tenderness.

Every kitchen has its own recipe, so the exact spice blend and preparation method can differ from one restaurant to another.

2. The chicken is stacked on a vertical rotisserie

The marinated chicken is arranged on a tall, rotating spit. This traditional cooking technique allows the meat to roast gradually, developing a browned exterior and a tender interior.

If you've ever wondered why shawarma looks different from grilled chicken skewers, the cooking method is a big part of the answer. For a closer look at the technique and how shawarma compares with gyro, check out our guide to Shawarma vs. Gyro.

3. The chicken is sliced and served

As the outside of the chicken cooks, thin slices are shaved from the rotisserie. The result is a combination of juicy meat, flavorful seasoning, and browned edges.

Those slices can then be served with bread, rice, vegetables, and sauces, depending on the dish. The contrast between the warm, seasoned chicken and fresh accompaniments is one of the reasons shawarma works so well as a complete meal.

What Does Chicken Shawarma Taste Like?

Chicken shawarma tastes savory, aromatic, and deeply seasoned, with a balance of spices that gives the meat a distinctive flavor without necessarily making it hot or spicy.

The exact taste depends on the marinade and cooking method, but you can generally expect:

• Warm, savory spices: Seasonings such as cumin, paprika, and coriander contribute depth and aroma.

• Tender, juicy chicken: Marinating and slow roasting help the chicken develop a satisfying texture.

• Browned, flavorful edges: The outer layers of the rotisserie chicken develop a richer, roasted flavor.

• A fresh contrast from toppings and sauces: Vegetables, pickles, and garlic sauce can balance the richness of the meat.

One of the best parts of chicken shawarma is how easily you can make it your own. Prefer something classic and savory? Go with a traditional preparation. Want a little more heat? A spicy version may be the right choice.

At Garlic'n Lemons, our BBQ Chicken Shawarma and Spicy Chicken Shawarma give customers two delicious ways to enjoy one of our most popular dishes.

Is Chicken Shawarma Halal?

Chicken shawarma can be halal, but it depends on the ingredients, sourcing, and preparation practices of the restaurant serving it. The word shawarma describes a dish and cooking style; it does not automatically mean the meat is halal.

For Muslim diners, it's important to choose a restaurant that takes halal sourcing seriously and can explain its food practices.

At Garlic'n Lemons, we're proud to have served halal food since 2010. As a family-owned restaurant founded by Mardig and Mama Rosie, we bring Lebanese and Armenian culinary traditions and a spirit of hospitality to our kitchen in Allston.

Whether you're already a shawarma fan or trying it for the first time, you can enjoy your meal knowing that halal food has been part of our commitment from the beginning.

How We Make Chicken Shawarma at Garlic'n Lemons

Some dishes become favorites because they're familiar. Others become favorites because people keep finding reasons to order them again.

Chicken shawarma is firmly in the second category at Garlic'n Lemons. It's one of the most frequently ordered dishes at our Allston restaurant, with both BBQ and Spicy Chicken Shawarma drawing customers back for another meal.

That popularity makes sense: shawarma brings together seasoned chicken, a satisfying roasted texture, and the flexibility to enjoy it in a way that suits your appetite.

Our restaurant was founded in 2010 by Mardig and Mama Rosie, whose Lebanese and Armenian heritage helped shape the food and hospitality we share with our community. Sixteen years later, that family tradition continues in the dishes our customers know and love.

And no shawarma experience feels quite complete without the right sauce. If you love the creamy, garlicky flavor that often accompanies Middle Eastern meals, learn more about toum, the traditional Lebanese garlic sauce. Its bold garlic flavor makes it a natural companion to savory chicken.

Not sure which version to try first? Start with BBQ Chicken Shawarma for a familiar, savory option, or choose Spicy Chicken Shawarma if you want more heat.

Ready to find your favorite? Explore our menu and order your next meal from Garlic'n Lemons.

ORDER CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Ready to try chicken shawarma?

From BBQ Chicken Shawarma to Spicy Chicken Shawarma, discover why this Middle Eastern favorite keeps customers coming back to Garlic'n Lemons.

Explore the menu and order online

Garlic'n Lemons | Family-owned in Allston since 2010 | Proudly Halal since 2010