Delicious & Healthy Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma: An Easy, Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe

For anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and healthy chicken dishes, this Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma is an absolute must-try! Chicken is a staple in my household, meaning I’m constantly on the lookout for exciting new ways to prepare it. While we occasionally indulge in takeout from our local Middle Eastern restaurant, renowned for its incredible chicken shawarma, I was determined to develop a homemade version. My goal was a simple, delicious recipe that also aligns perfectly with Weight Watchers points. I admit, it’s hard to compete with the authentic masters, but this sheet pan chicken shawarma recipe delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation.

The rich, aromatic flavor of this dish is truly outstanding. One of its best features is how incredibly Weight Watchers friendly it is. This recipe is a 0 SmartPoints (SP) dish on both the blue and purple programs, and only 1 point on the new Weight Watchers program. This makes it a fantastic guilt-free option for a satisfying meal. Points only need to be added if you choose to serve it with pita bread. Alternatively, you can enjoy it over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or, for a low-carb option, as a vibrant topping for a fresh salad. I’ve also included a recipe for a simple yet delicious white sauce that is also very low in points. We genuinely hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

It’s Exceptionally High in Protein and Bursting with Flavor

Often, “high protein” is associated with bland or uninspired chicken and fish dishes. However, this Chicken Shawarma shatters that misconception! It leverages the power of zero-point foods and a vibrant spice blend to ensure the chicken remains incredibly moist, tender, and absolutely packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavor. With a generous 34 grams of protein per serving, it’s a powerhouse meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied without compromising on taste. This dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.

Perfect for Efficient Meal Prep

If you’re looking to streamline your weekly cooking, Chicken Shawarma makes a fantastic meal prep recipe. It’s designed to be a bulk-friendly dish, allowing you to prepare a large batch that can be conveniently stored in the fridge for several days. This means less time in the kitchen during busy weekdays and more healthy, pre-made meals at your fingertips. Its simplicity ensures you won’t spend hours on preparation, giving you more time back in your schedule while still enjoying wholesome, homemade food throughout the week.

Incredibly Versatile for Any Meal

One of the standout qualities of this Chicken Shawarma is its incredible adaptability. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of carbohydrates and fresh sides, allowing you to customize your meal to your preference or dietary needs. Serve it traditionally in a warm pita or wrap, or enjoy it over classic white or brown rice for a hearty bowl. For lighter options, cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad work wonderfully. It’s also excellent alongside roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even pasta. The choice is truly yours, making it a versatile dish that never gets boring!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Chicken Shawarma

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that authentic shawarma flavor. This recipe uses readily available items, many of which are kitchen staples, ensuring that your culinary journey to the Middle East is both accessible and delicious.

• 2 lbs (32 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast: Weighed raw, this lean protein forms the core of our dish.
• 1 large red onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and pungent depth once roasted.
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced: Feel free to use red, yellow, or green for a colorful and nutritious addition.
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst with juicy flavor when cooked, adding brightness to the dish.
• ¾ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt: The secret to a tender, flavorful marinade, acting as a base for our spices.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Essential for brightening the flavors and enhancing the marinade.
• 2 teaspoon cumin: A cornerstone spice for authentic shawarma flavor.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric: Adds warmth, color, and a subtle earthy note.
• 1.5 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and rich color.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: A surprising yet crucial ingredient that provides a warm, aromatic complexity.
• Dash salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: For that irresistible aromatic foundation.

FOR THE CREAMY GARLIC DRIZZLE SAUCE (A must-have topping!)

• ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: The creamy, low-point base for our sauce.
• 2 tablespoons mayo: Adds a touch of richness and tang.
• Juice of 1 lime: Provides a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: For a bold, garlicky kick that elevates the whole dish.
• ½ teaspoon dried dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Pinch of salt: To balance and enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and healthy chicken shawarma meal with minimal fuss. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of just one sheet pan for easy cleanup!

1. Prepare your oven and baking sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grab a large baking sheet and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
2. Cut the chicken: Take your raw boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into uniform 1-2 inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces for your shawarma.
3. Mix the flavorful marinade: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ¾ cup of nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, aromatic paste.
4. Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly, making sure every piece of chicken is completely coated in the delicious spice mixture. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
5. Prepare the vegetables: Slice your red onions and bell peppers into thin strips. Then, halve the cherry tomatoes. Preparing your vegetables uniformly will help them cook evenly alongside the chicken.
6. Arrange on the sheet pan: Spread the marinated chicken, sliced onions, peppers, and halved tomatoes evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. For best results and crispier vegetables, try to keep the ingredients somewhat separated and avoid overcrowding the pan. (Refer to the image provided for a visual guide).
7. Bake to perfection: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, divide the shawarma into 6 generous servings. Drizzle generously with the creamy white sauce you’ve prepared (instructions below) and serve immediately.
9. Prepare the creamy drizzle white sauce: To make the perfect accompaniment, simply combine all the ingredients for the white sauce (Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, minced garlic, dried dill, and salt) in a food processor or blender. Blend for a few minutes until smooth and creamy.

This recipe yields 6 servings. The nutritional information for 1 serving is as follows: Calories 232, Fat 5 g, Saturated fat 0.97 g, Carbs 14 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Sugars 7 g, Sodium 391 mg, Protein 34 g.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown: Enjoy Guilt-Free!

One of the biggest advantages of this Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma recipe is its incredible compatibility with the Weight Watchers program. Many of the core ingredients are considered “Zero Point” foods, making it a fantastic choice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a closer look at the point values:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 0 points (a lean protein powerhouse!)
• Chopped red onion: 0 points
• Sliced bell peppers: 0 points
• Halved cherry tomatoes: 0 points
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt (for marinade): 0 points (provides creaminess and tenderizes the chicken)
• Fresh lemon juice: 0 points
• Cumin: 0 points
• Turmeric: 0 points
• Paprika: 0 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Salt and pepper: 0 points
• Minced garlic: 0 points

WHITE DRIZZLE SAUCE POINTS BREAKDOWN:

• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: 0 points
• Mayo: 4 points (This is the primary source of points in the sauce. Using a light mayo or reducing the quantity can lower this further.)
• Lime: 0 points
• Minced garlic cloves: 0 points
• Dried dill: 0 points
• Salt: 0 points

Based on the WW app recipe creator, this recipe averages out to approximately 1 point per serving.

If you’re using an older version of WW, check out these points below for reference:

• Personal Points: 0-3 points, depending on your individual 0PP foods list.
• SmartPoints (Blue & Purple): 0 points when calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• SmartPoints (Green): 3 points when calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• Points Plus: 3 points using the PP calculator.

Customizing Your Shawarma: Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for delicious variations and creative serving options to suit your taste and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

• Adjusting the Sauce for Fewer Points: The only points in this entire dish come from the two tablespoons of mayonnaise in the white drizzle sauce. If you want to make the sauce completely zero points per serving, simply replace the regular mayo with a light mayo, or increase the quantity of non-fat Greek yogurt and reduce or omit the mayo entirely. You can also play with other low-fat alternatives to mayo.
• Sauce Portioning for WW: For a small drizzle on the blue/purple programs, the sauce is 0 SmartPoints. However, if you opt for a more generous amount, it’s wise to add an extra point to account for the mayo. On the green program, a small drizzle is also 0 SmartPoints, but using a decent amount would warrant adding an additional point. Always track according to your serving size!
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other sheet-pan friendly vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or thinly sliced potatoes for added nutrition and variety.
• Make it Spicy: For those who love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade, or even a few red pepper flakes to the vegetables before roasting.

Beyond the Pita: Creative Serving Ideas

• Shawarma Bowls: Serve over a base of quinoa, couscous, or a mix of greens for a wholesome and filling bowl.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a super low-carb option, scoop the chicken and vegetables into large lettuce cups.
• Salad Topper: Let the cooled shawarma enhance your favorite salad, providing a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
• With Roasted Potatoes: A simple side of crispy roasted potatoes can turn this into a heartier meal.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Homemade Chicken Shawarma

To ensure your chicken shawarma turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Marinating Time is Key: For the most intense flavor and tender chicken, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The Greek yogurt works wonders in tenderizing the meat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When spreading the chicken and vegetables on the sheet pan, ensure there’s enough space between them. Overcrowding can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, leading to less crispy and flavorful results. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
• Check for Doneness: Always make sure your chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp with some lovely charring.
• Prepare the Sauce Ahead: The white drizzle sauce is fantastic made in advance! It will keep beautifully in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 10 days, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This makes meal prep even easier.

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More Delicious & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this easy and flavorful Chicken Shawarma, be sure to check out these other popular recipes from our kitchen:

• This Simple Taco Casserole Takes Taco Night to the Next Level
• Creamy Chicken and Bacon Alfredo Soup
• Weight Watchers Egg Bites