Shawarma-Inspired Chicken Thighs

Juicy, warmly spiced, and easy to prep ahead, these Shawarma-Inspired Chicken Thighs are a simple way to keep meals ready for the week.

Part of the Resolution Ready Meal Prep Series, this recipe starts with Nutrafarms boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a creamy Greek yogurt marinade with garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes. The chicken is then baked until tender and ready to serve in everything from rice bowls to pitas and salads.

Make one batch, portion it out, and turn it into something different throughout the week.

Makes approximately 5 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Nutrafarms boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup high-protein Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

shawarma-inspired-chicken-thighs-preparation

How to Make Shawarma-Inspired Chicken Thighs

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Pat them dry with paper towel if needed.

2. Add the Spices

Add the salt, oregano, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes directly to the chicken.

3. Make the Yogurt Marinade

Add the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, grated garlic, and chopped cilantro.

4. Coat the Chicken

Mix everything together until each chicken thigh is completely coated in the creamy yogurt and spice mixture.

5. Let It Marinate

Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.

For more developed flavour, allow the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight.

6. Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Arrange the chicken thighs on an oven-safe rack set over a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). There is no need to flip the chicken halfway through.

7. Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. If you’re meal prepping, let it cool before portioning it into containers and refrigerating.

baked-shawarma-inspired-chicken-thighs

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Thighs

Great for meal prep: Prepare the protein ahead of time and use it to build quick meals throughout the week.

Full of flavour: Garlic, oregano, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes create a warm, savoury marinade.

Tender and juicy: Greek yogurt helps create a creamy marinade that coats every chicken thigh before baking.

Easy to customize: Serve the same batch with different sides, vegetables, and sauces so meals do not feel repetitive.

Family friendly: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to make the spice level work for your household.

Make It Your Way

One batch of chicken can become several different meals. Here are a few ways to keep things interesting throughout the week:

  • With rice: Serve over basmati or jasmine rice with cucumber, tomato, and your favourite sauce.
  • In a pita: Add sliced chicken to a warm pita with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and garlic sauce.
  • As a salad: Slice the chicken over a Greek or Mediterranean-inspired salad.
  • In a bowl: Pair with rice or roasted potatoes, fresh vegetables, hummus, and tzatziki.
  • With roasted vegetables: Add your favourite roasted vegetables for a simple weeknight dinner.

    • Pro Tip

    For easy meal prep, keep the cooked chicken separate from your sides and toppings until you’re ready to eat. This makes it easier to turn one batch into different meals throughout the week.

    If you know you will be reheating the chicken later, avoid overcooking it during the initial bake. Always make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

    Resolution Ready Meal Prep

    Eating better does not have to begin on January 1st.

    The Resolution Ready Meal Prep Series is about building practical habits with simple recipes that make planning meals ahead easier.

    Start with a versatile protein like these Shawarma-Inspired Chicken Thighs, keep a few favourite sides and toppings ready, and mix and match throughout the week.

    A little preparation today can make deciding what’s for dinner much easier tomorrow.