Mini Chicken Shawarma Cups

Why You’ll Love Mini Chicken Shawarma Cups Recipe

These Mini Chicken Shawarma Cups are incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and ideal for entertaining. They combine the bold spices of shawarma with the crispy texture of baked cups, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a fun dinner idea, these cups are versatile and customizable to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Ground cumin

• Ground paprika

• Ground turmeric

• Ground coriander

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground allspice

• Salt and pepper

• Lemon juice

• Wonton wrappers or mini phyllo shells

• Greek yogurt or garlic sauce (for topping)

• Chopped cucumbers

• Diced tomatoes

• Sliced pickles

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.

2. Add the chicken to the marinade, cover, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. If using wonton wrappers, press them into mini muffin tins to form small cups. If using phyllo shells, place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake the wonton cups for about 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. If using pre-baked phyllo shells, skip this step.

6. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest, then dice or shred the chicken.

7. Fill each cup with a spoonful of cooked chicken.

8. Top with a dollop of garlic sauce or yogurt, then add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickles.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 mini cups and serves 6–8 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marination)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free phyllo shells or mini gluten-free tortillas.

• Sauce Variety: Swap garlic sauce with tahini sauce or hummus for a different flavor.

• Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or feta before baking.

• Pickled Veggies: Use pickled onions or turnips for extra tang.

• Avocado Addition: Top with diced avocado for a creamy element.

• Wrap Style: Turn the mixture into mini wraps using tortillas instead of cups.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh mint or dill for a different herbal note.

• Nutty Crunch: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken separately from the cups to keep them crisp. Refrigerate chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If using baked wonton cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To reheat the chicken, warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Assemble fresh cups when ready to serve for the best texture.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinate it overnight to let the spices deeply penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just toss shredded rotisserie chicken with the shawarma spices and lemon juice, then heat before filling the cups.

Are these cups suitable for meal prep?

Yes, prepare the chicken ahead and assemble the cups just before serving to maintain crispness.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for juicy and flavorful results, but breasts work as well.

Can I freeze these?

You can freeze the cooked chicken, but it’s best to make the cups fresh to keep them crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Garlic sauce, tzatziki, tahini, or a spicy yogurt dip all complement the flavors well.

Can I bake the cups with the chicken inside?

Yes, you can fill the raw cups with cooked chicken and bake for 5 minutes to warm them all at once.

What if I don’t have muffin tins?

You can bake phyllo shells or wonton wrappers flat or shape them in small ramekins.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids love the mini size, and you can reduce spices for a milder version.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use tofu or roasted chickpeas with vegan yogurt or tahini sauce.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Shawarma Cups are a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved flavors of shawarma in a fun, bite-sized form. They’re perfect for gatherings, quick dinners, or snack platters, and they offer endless customization options to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or simply looking for a new appetizer idea, these mini cups are sure to become a favorite.