What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma (9 Delicious Sides to Try)
Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is traditionally made with chicken. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can serve with chicken shawarma.
However, we have compiled a list of our 9 favorite side dishes that will complement this delicious dish perfectly!
Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or something hearty and filling, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for?
Let’s get started!
Chicken Shawarma Side Dishes
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Salad
- Pita bread
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted potatoes
- Hummus
- Tahini sauce
- Pickled veggies
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is a nutritious and easy-to-cook side dish that goes well with chicken shawarma. It adds a crispy twist to the dish and is topped with fresh herbs.
The corn on the cob provides essential nutrients such as vitamins C, which is necessary for a healthy immune system. It is also a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion.
Additionally, corn on the cob is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight!
To make corn on the cob at home, simply boil water in a pot and add the corn. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Remove from the pot and serve with chicken shawarma.
Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables make a healthy and delicious side dish for chicken shawarma. The veggies can be grilled in advance and served at room temperature, making them a great option for a busy weeknight meal. Grilled vegetables are not only healthy but they are also very flavorful.
Use a mix of my favorite veggies, such as red peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add other favorites, such as zucchini or eggplant.
The key is to experiment until you find a combination that you love. Once you’ve got your veggies ready, it’s time to fire up the grill!
Grill the veggies over medium-high heat until they are slightly charred. This will give them a delicious smoky flavor that goes well with shawarma. The key to success is to use your favorite veggies and grill them until they are slightly charred.
Serve them on their own. Or serve them with a tahini sauce for more flavor. The sauce is easy to make at home and adds a delicious creamy element to the dish.
Salad
Salad is a great chicken shawarma side dish option, as it’s filled with vitamins and minerals. The greens in the salad will also help to offset any of the richness from the chicken.
Another option is to use pasta greens and potatoes. The pasta will help to absorb some of the flavors from the chicken, while the potatoes will add a touch of creaminess to the dish.
These side dishes are not only healthy but also incredibly easy to make at home. Simply roast or boil the pasta, add the vegetables, then mix them with your favorite dressing. Serve the salad alongside the chicken shawarma, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.
Pita bread
Pita bread is a type of flatbread that is popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is often used as a wrap for fillings such as chicken shawarma. Its soft, doughy texture makes it an ideal accompaniment to hearty dishes.
Pita bread can be bought from most supermarkets, but it is also relatively easy to make at home!
Simply combine flour, yeast, water, and salt to form a dough, then leave it to rise for 30 minutes. Once it has doubled in size, shape it into small balls and flatten them before cooking on a hot griddle pan.
The result is a delicious, fluffy pita bread that is perfect for mopping up all the juices from your chicken shawarma.
As well as being delicious, pita bread is also surprisingly healthy. It is low in fat and calories and is a good source of fiber. Moreover, the whole wheat flour used to make pita bread contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
So next time you’re tucking into chicken shawarma, be sure to enjoy it with freshly made pita bread – your body will thank you for it!
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a colorful and flavorful side dish that pairs well with chicken shawarma. The rice is filled with unique spices and vegetables, making it a filling and satisfying option.
In addition, in you are using brown rice, then rice pilaf has a variety of health benefits. It is a good source of fiber and vitamins, and it can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
For those looking to make rice pilaf at home, the dish is relatively easy to prepare!
First, brown the rice in a pan before adding the spices and vegetables. Then, add water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let the pilaf sit for a few minutes before serving.
There are many different types of rice pilaf that you can make. So, experiment with recipes until you find the rice pilaf that works for your taste buds.
Roasted potatoes
Chicken shawarma is a crowd-pleaser that’s filling. Roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for chicken shawarma because they’re also crowd-pleasers that are easy to make.
Roasted potatoes are a also good source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is essential for proper muscle function.
To make roasted potatoes at home, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut your potatoes into thirds or quarters and toss them with olive oil and your desired spices.
Then, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You can also sprinkle the potatoes with rosemary and thyme before baking for extra flavor!
Hummus
Hummus is the perfect option for a side dish when you’re serving chicken shawarma. The creamy, smooth texture of hummus compliments the shawarma flavors perfectly. And it’s a healthy and filling option that will leave your guests satisfied.
Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. All you need is a can of chickpeas, some tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Simply blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth, and you’ll have perfect homemade hummus in no time. Serve it with some fresh pita bread or veggies, and enjoy!
Tahini sauce
Tahini sauce is a delicious and healthy side dish made with sesame seeds, oil, and salt. This flavorful sauce provides an extra zing to chicken shawarma and can be served with pita bread and veggies.
Because it is made with healthy ingredients, tahini sauce is a good choice for those looking for a nutritious meal. Plus, it’s easy to make at home!
Start making tahini by roasting sesame seeds in a pan. Once the sesame seeds start looking getting brown, put them in the blender and start blending.
Keep adding olive oil little by little. And once the tahini sauce starts looking smooth and creamy, stop the blender.
Sprinkle some salt and store it in an airtight container to extend the shelf life of the tahini.
Pickled veggies
Pickled veggies are a great way to add some tang and acidity to your chicken shawarma. Use pickled beetroot, carrots, and cucumbers as they go well with shawarma.
They add a nice bright flavor to the dish and pair well with the savory spices in the chicken shawarma. Plus, they offer a tangy vinegary kick that really elevates the flavors.
Making pickled veggies at home is actually very easy. Simply slice up your veggies of choice, then soak them in vinegar. water, and sugar solution for a few hours. Once they’ve had a chance to pickle, drain them and serve them alongside your chicken shawarma.
However, making pickled vegetables at home is sometimes tricky. So, you can also buy it from the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is shawarma traditionally served?
Traditionally chicken shawarma is Arabic naan, pickled vegetables, and hummus. You can also use all of these side dishes together to give your shawarma the traditional flavor.
What veggies go with shawarma?
Generally, carrot, reddish, onion, chilies, and olives go well with shawarma. But you can use any other veggies of your choice to make the dish suit your taste buds better.
In conclusion
There are many delicious and healthy side dishes you can serve with chicken shawarma. Each of these side dishes offers a unique flavor that will complement the shawarma perfectly.
So, next time you’re making chicken shawarma for your guests, be sure to try one of these sides!