Debating on what to serve with chicken shawarma? I have 20 tasty food pairings to take your meal over the top.
You’ll find all the best sides, from fresh and light to creamy and comforting. Plus, I’ve added some sauces and dips to elevate the flavor of your chicken.
Chicken shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish and street food favorite.
When choosing the best sides, you want bright flavors to cut through the fat. Likewise, rich dishes can complement the spices.
From tabbouleh to tzatziki, these are the best accompaniments for chicken shawarma.
Side Dishes
1. Rice Pilaf
Need a side to serve a crowd? Rice pilaf is my go-to.
This classic dish pairs marvelously with chicken shawarma. It’s a fluffy mix of white rice and orzo with spices, herbs, sauteed onions, and garlic.
It’s as filling as regular white rice, except it’s way more flavorful.
2. Halloumi Fries
Think of these like mozzarella sticks with a Mediterranean touch!
Salty, tangy, spongy halloumi gets battered with crunchy breadcrumbs. They’re a cheese lover’s fantasy and a delightful side for shawarma.
They’re also baked, so you won’t feel guilty devouring them.
3. Homemade Pita Bread
You can’t have chicken shawarma without fresh bread! And homemade pita bread is the perfect vessel.
Soft and pillowy, it melts in your mouth.
Trust me, making it at home is so much better than store-bought. It will take your shawarma from good to grand.
4. Lemon Couscous
Fluffy lemon couscous is a versatile Middle Eastern side that pairs perfectly with shawarma.
The citrus and fresh herbs add brightness to the savory meat. And it’s not too heavy, filling you up just right.
Plus, it’s easy, quick, and wallet-friendly.
5. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh and shawarma are a match made in heaven! This classic Lebanese dish is very bright, light, and healthy.
It contrasts the savory flavors of the chicken in the most complementary way. All the herbs, crisp veggies, and lemon cut right through the fat.
Plus, it’s easy to make.
6. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes might not be the healthiest option. But boy, are these spuds delicious!
Fluffy, creamy, garlicky, and buttery, mashed potatoes are simply the best.
Paired with shawarma, they create a comforting and complementary feast. I mean, meat and potatoes are a bit of a no-brainer.
7. Roasted Cauliflower
Watching your carbs? Go with roasted cauliflower.
It gets caramelized during roasting, giving it an incredible flavor. It’s a little sweet, super savory, and wonderfully tender.
With a light seasoning, it plays well with the flavors of chicken shawarma.
8. Lebanese Fattoush Salad
On a summer day, nothing beats a mouthwatering shawarma wrap and fattoush.
In one bite, you get savory, spiced meat. In the other bite, you get a refreshing salad packed with bright flavors and crunchy pita bread.
Together, they create a well-balanced, nutritious meal.
9. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread isn’t just for Italian food. It’s great with Middle Eastern dishes, too.
Soft, buttery, and garlicky, this bread pairs well with chicken shawarma. Instead of making a sandwich out of it, serve it alongside the meat.
Although, there’s no rule saying you can’t double up on the carbs!
10. Falafel
Making a large Middle Eastern spread? Serve your chicken shawarma with falafel.
Like the meat, these fried chickpea balls are packed with spices. Together, they send your tastebuds on a flavorful culinary adventure.
It’s a substantial pairing to load you up with protein.
11. Chickpea Salad
For something healthy, easy, and complementary, try this chickpea salad.
It’s a refreshing mix of garbanzo beans, cucumber, tomatoes, and more. It’s all covered in a zippy dressing. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s meal prep-friendly.
Make a big bowl and bring it to the cookout.
12. Marinated Feta
Sharp and creamy feta is great with chicken shawarma, especially when you marinate it.
The marinade infuses the cheese with tons of flavor. It’s garlicky and spicy, fresh and oily, and just right.
Of all the cheeses, it’s the best for the boldness of shawarma.
13. Greek Lemon Potatoes
For a mouthwatering meat and potatoes pairing, go Greek with these lemon potatoes.
The citrus and oregano make these spuds extra savory. And since you bake them, they’re far healthier than fries.
Next to shawarma, they’re the only side you need.
14. Buttered Noodles
If you want to keep things simple, whip up a side of buttered noodles.
The creamy and cheesy sauce is rich and delicious. Adding in the juicy meat of chicken shawarma makes this a pairing to remember.
All the spices and savoriness create a satisfying combination with the buttery dish.
15. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are an easy and flavorful side for chicken shawarma.
The grill adds a smoky element while bringing out their natural sweetness. It adds a lot more depth than fresh veggies.
Toss some on the grill for a backyard bash. They’re also simple enough for a weeknight.
Sauces and Dips
16. Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Add a little more oomph to your chicken with this sauce. It’s a quick condiment for a boost of flavor.
The cooling nature of the yogurt pairs impeccably with the spices of the meat. As for the garlic, it pulls all the flavors together.
Serve this as a dip or drizzle it on top.
17. Tahini Sauce
Once you try this tahini sauce, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything, chicken shawarma included!
It’s nutty, creamy, garlicky, and lemony. These are all the best flavors for shawarma if you ask me.
It plays up the savoriness while the acidity adds brightness. It’s super easy to make, too.
18. Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is another classic that’s a must for Middle Eastern cuisine.
The smoky roasted eggplant, nutty tahini, fresh garlic, and lemon juice create a unique dip. It pairs well with spiced meats like chicken shawarma.
Add a scoop to your plate or dollop it on top.
19. Tzatziki Sauce
A spoonful of tzatziki sauce makes chicken shawarma complete.
It’s a classic Mediterranean condiment that’s creamy, cooling, fresh, and bright. So, it’s the perfect pick for savory seasoned meats.
I like to make extra for falafels, gyros, and dipping veggie sticks.
20. Hummus
You can’t go wrong with hummus! This Middle Eastern favorite is a great match for shawarma.
Creamy, earthy, garlicky, and lemony, it’s one addicting dip.
I enjoy topping my chicken shawarma sandwich with it. For the plate route, it’s also great with a side of pita and falafel. Yum!
What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma (20 Top Side Dishes)
For a tasty meal, serve chicken shawarma with rice pilaf, pita bread, couscous, tabbouleh, and more delicious sides! This list has something for everyone.
Ingredients
Rice Pilaf
Halloumi Fries
Homemade Pita Bread
Lemon Couscous
Tabbouleh
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Cauliflower
Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Garlic Bread
Falafel
Chickpea Salad
Marinated Feta
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Buttered Noodles
Grilled Vegetables
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Tahini Sauce
Baba Ganoush
Tzatziki Sauce
Hummus
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious side for chicken shawarma in 30 minutes or less!
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