What To Serve With Chicken Shawarma? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Today, we're exploring the flavorful world of chicken shawarma. This Middle Eastern delight, known for its succulent, marinated chicken and fragrant spices, is a true feast for the senses.

But, what about the side dishes that make this meal even more memorable? Let's embark on a journey to find 16 perfect side dishes that pair well with chicken shawarma.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken shawarma are french fries, pita bread, tzatziki, hummus, yellow rice, garden salad, guacamole, pickled vegetables, onion rings, baba ganoush, couscous salad, roasted red peppers, fattoush, garlic bread, falafel, and grilled halloumi cheese.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Fries

We're starting our list with a global favorite - french fries. Their crisp exterior and fluffy interior make them a perfect counterpoint to the savory, spiced chicken shawarma. And, when dipped in a bit of garlic sauce or ketchup, they're absolutely irresistible.

2. Pita Bread

Pita bread, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a must when you're having chicken shawarma. It's perfect for wrapping up pieces of shawarma or for mopping up any flavorful sauces left on your plate. A few warmed pitas on the side turn this dish into a hands-on, satisfying meal.

3. Tzatziki

Tzatziki, a refreshing Greek yogurt dip, provides a creamy, cool counterbalance to the robust flavors of chicken shawarma. The crunch from the cucumbers and the bright, tangy flavor of the yogurt work together to cleanse your palate between bites.

4. Hummus

Rich, creamy hummus is another fantastic side dish for chicken shawarma. The smooth texture and the nutty, tangy flavors of the chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice complement the spiced chicken beautifully. Plus, it's perfect for dipping your pita bread or french fries!

5. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice, seasoned with turmeric or saffron, is a colorful and flavorful addition to your chicken shawarma meal. The subtle, aromatic spices in the rice blend perfectly with the chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

6. Garden Salad

A crisp garden salad, full of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richly flavored chicken shawarma. Tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, it's a light and vibrant side dish.

7. Guacamole

While it may seem unorthodox, guacamole can be a delicious accompaniment to chicken shawarma. The creamy, rich avocado spread, spiced with a bit of garlic, lime, and cilantro, adds a unique, flavorful twist to the meal.

8. Pickled Vegetables

Finally, a mix of pickled vegetables, or "torshi," is a common accompaniment to many Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma. The tangy, slightly sweet pickles cut through the richness of the chicken and refresh your palate, readying it for another delicious bite.

9. Onion Rings

Who doesn't love a side of crispy, golden onion rings? The sweet, tender onions encased in a crunchy batter make a delightful contrast to the savory chicken shawarma. Dip them in a spicy sauce for an extra flavor kick.

10. Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush, a smoky, creamy eggplant dip, can be a wonderful addition to your chicken shawarma meal. Its rich, earthy flavor and smooth texture work excellently with both the shawarma and pita bread.

11. Couscous Salad

A couscous salad, filled with fresh veggies and tossed in a zesty dressing, is a light and flavorful side that pairs well with chicken shawarma. It adds a refreshing touch and a different texture to the meal.

12. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers, with their sweet, slightly smoky flavor, can be a lovely side dish for chicken shawarma. They add a splash of color and a unique taste to the meal.

13. Fattoush

Fattoush, a Lebanese bread salad, can be a vibrant and refreshing companion to chicken shawarma. The crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and crunchy pieces of toasted pita make it a tasty and balanced side dish.

14. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread, warm and aromatic with a rich buttery garlic flavor, can be a satisfying addition to your chicken shawarma. It's a simple side that adds a comforting touch to your meal.

15. Falafel

Falafel, deep-fried balls or patties made from chickpeas or fava beans, is a hearty and flavorful side that can accompany chicken shawarma beautifully. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide a pleasing contrast of textures, while the spices within echo the flavors found in the shawarma.

16. Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Finally, grilled Halloumi cheese adds a salty and slightly creamy element to the meal. The cheese's unique characteristic of maintaining its shape when grilled or fried gives it a pleasant chewy texture, perfect alongside the soft chicken shawarma.

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