What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma: 30+ Best Side Dishes
Wondering what to serve with chicken shawarma for your next meal? You’re in the right place!
I’ve put together this collection of tasty side dishes that’ll turn your shawarma from good to amazing.
When I make chicken shawarma at home, the right sides make all the difference for this flavorful Middle Eastern dish.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is packed with bold, warm spices that make your taste buds happy. The meat is tender and juicy, and works in wraps or bowls. It’s easy to make at home, but it tastes like your favorite street food.
What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma
From fresh salads to warm bread and tasty dips, you’ve got lots of options. Let’s look at some perfect sides that will make your shawarma plate complete.
Breads
Bread is a must with chicken shawarma! These options soak up the delicious shawarma marinade and help you make tasty wraps.
- Homemade Pita Bread: Fresh, warm pita is perfect for wrapping up your chicken shawarma. I made this last weekend and it was so much better than store-bought!
- Greek Pita: Slightly thicker than regular pita, it holds all the chicken and toppings without falling apart. Great for making chicken shawarma wraps.
- Naan: Soft, pillowy flatbread that’s perfect for scooping up chicken shawarma and all the sauces. The mild flavor lets the shawarma spices shine through.
- Za’atar Bread (Lebanese Flatbread): This bread has a wonderful herb topping that adds even more Middle Eastern flavor to your meal.
- Parotta : Flaky layers that pair beautifully with the spiced chicken. It’s my family’s favorite bread to serve with homemade shawarma.
Sauces and Dips
The right sauce can take your chicken shawarma to the next level. These dips add moisture and extra flavor.
- Tahini Sauce: Creamy, nutty sauce that’s traditional with many middle eastern dishes. I never serve chicken shawarma without it!
- Tzatziki Sauce: Cool cucumber yogurt dip that balances the warm spices in the chicken. It’s super refreshing.
- Hummus: Smooth chickpea dip that adds protein and creaminess. Try it with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
- Baba Ganoush: Smoky eggplant dip that complements the shawarma marinade perfectly.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: Simple but delicious with lemon juice and garlic. This is my go-to when I’m short on time.
Easy Salads
These fresh and easy salads add crunch and brightness to your shawarma plate. They cut through the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Fattoush Salad: Crisp vegetables with toasted pita chips and a tangy dressing. I love the contrast of textures in this classic side dish.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: Simple, refreshing side that takes just minutes to make but adds so much to your meal.
- Tabbouleh Salad: Herby, lemony salad with bulgur wheat that adds freshness to your shawarma plate.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Protein-packed and colorful with red onion and fresh vegetables.
- Egyptian Salad: Bold flavors with lots of herbs and a zesty dressing that pairs well with chicken shawarma.
Potatoes and Fries
Potatoes make any meal more filling and satisfying. These options have flavors that match your shawarma.
- Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra): Crispy potatoes with garlic and red pepper that add heat to your meal. When I make chicken shawarma at home, I always include these!
- Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy, golden fries without all the oil. Season them with a pinch of the same spices you used to marinate the chicken.
- Parmesan Truffle Fries: Fancy fries with rich truffle oil and salty cheese. This unexpected pairing adds luxury to your shawarma plate.
- Fried Potatoes and Onions: Golden potatoes with caramelized onions make a hearty side. The simple flavors soak up the shawarma marinade when served together.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Za’atar: Crispy on the outside, soft inside with earthy Middle Eastern spices. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory chicken shawarma.
Rice and Grains
Rice and grains help make your chicken shawarma a complete meal. They’re perfect for building a shawarma bowl.
- Vermicelli Rice: Toasted pasta bits add texture to this simple rice recipe that pairs perfectly with chicken shawarma.
- Mediterranean Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice cooked with spices that echo the flavors in your shawarma marinade.
- Perfect Pearl Couscous: Tiny pasta balls that cook quickly and soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.
- Yellow Rice: Turmeric adds color and subtle flavor that complements the spiced chicken shawarma.
- Mujaddara (Lentils and Rice): This protein-rich side with caramelized onions is great as a side or base for a shawarma bowl.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that’s still tasty and works well with all the Middle Eastern flavors.
Roasted or Air-Fried Veggies
Roasted vegetables add nutrition and flavor to your meal. The roasting brings out natural sweetness.
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Colorful mix of veggies with herbs that make your shawarma plate beautiful and nutritious.
- Harissa Roasted Carrots: Sweet carrots roasted with spicy harissa paste create a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The caramelized edges add depth that complements the shawarma spices.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Quick and easy side that adds an elegant green color to your plate.
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli: Turn frozen broccoli into a crispy side that’s ready in minutes.
Pickles and Condiments
Pickles add tang and cut through the rich flavors of chicken shawarma. They’re traditional on a shawarma platter.
- Pickled Turnips: Bright pink pickles that are a must-have at any Middle Eastern meal. I started making these at home, and they’re so much better than store-bought!
- Quick Pickled Carrots: Crunchy, tangy carrots that add color and acidity to balance the spiced chicken shawarma.
- Sumac Onions: Red onions tossed with lemony sumac spice that adds zing to each bite of your shawarma.
- Pickled Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp pickles that cleanse your palate between bites of the flavorful chicken.
- Olive Mix: Various olives with herbs and oil that add salty, briny notes to your shawarma plate.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma
- Make a wrap: Layer chicken with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables in warm pita bread for the classic street food experience.
- Create a bowl: Start with rice or cauliflower rice, add chicken shawarma, then top with veggies, sauce, and pickles for a complete meal.
- Serve as a platter: Arrange the spiced chicken with small bowls of various sides and sauces, letting everyone build their perfect plate.
