Nigerian Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Street-Style)
Shawarma may have originated in the Middle East, but Nigerians have made it completely their own. If you’ve ever walked past a roadside shawarma stand in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, you know it’s one of the most loved street foods in the country.
Unlike some versions that are dry, Nigerian shawarma is saucy, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s usually wrapped with chicken, hot dogs, veggies, and a creamy spicy sauce — then toasted to perfection. This recipe shows you how to make it at home, street-style, in just 30 minutes.
🍴 Cook Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
- Yields: 4 medium shawarmas
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 kg chicken breast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¼ cup unsweetened yogurt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 seasoning cubes (optional)
- 4 hot dogs
- 4 pita bread pockets
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sweet chili sauce or ½ tsp sugar
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce or 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Vegetables
- 1 cup cabbage (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup purple cabbage (for color, optional)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
👩🏾🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, salt, paprika, cayenne, yogurt, vegetable oil, and seasoning cubes. Add chicken breasts, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Sauce & Veggies: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauce (or sugar), sriracha (or cayenne), and lemon juice in a small bowl. In another bowl, toss together the cabbage and grated carrot.
- Cook the Chicken & Hot Dogs: Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through, then shred into strips. Grill or pan-fry the hot dogs until lightly browned.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Separate each pita bread into two thin sheets. Spread sauce generously on one sheet. Add veggies, one hot dog, and shredded chicken. Wrap tightly with a second pita sheet.
- Toast the Wraps: Place each wrap on a hot pan or grill, folded side down first to seal. Toast until golden brown and slightly crisp.
🌯 Serving Suggestions
Nigerian shawarma is best enjoyed hot, straight off the pan. Pair it with a cold soda or fruit juice for the full street-style experience. You can also add extra chili if you love it spicy!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken for beef if you prefer.
- Use sausage instead of hot dogs for a meatier bite.
- Add sliced cucumbers or onions for extra crunch.
- Double the sauce if you like your shawarma extra juicy.
❓ Nigerian Shawarma FAQ
1. Can I use tortillas instead of pita bread?
Yes! Tortillas work well if you can’t find pita bread. They’re thinner, so wrap them tightly and toast carefully to prevent tearing.
2. Can I make shawarma without a grill?
Absolutely. A non-stick frying pan works perfectly. Just brush lightly with oil before cooking the chicken and toasting the wrap.
3. How long does homemade shawarma last?
Shawarma is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry pan to keep the wrap crispy.
4. Can I skip the hot dog?
Yes, but the hot dog is part of what makes Nigerian shawarma unique. If you want a lighter version, you can skip it or replace with sausage.
5. Is shawarma spicy?
It depends on how much chili or sriracha you add. Traditional Nigerian shawarma has a little kick, but you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
“By the way, when I’m not in the kitchen, I write steamy short stories. You can check them out here ”
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