If you’ve ever fallen in love with the bold, aromatic flavors of chicken shawarma and the irresistible crunch of perfectly cooked fries, Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries might just become your new obsession. This dish brings together the best of Middle Eastern street food and indulgent comfort food into one unforgettable plate. Crispy fries form the base, topped with warmly spiced chicken shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, nutty tahini, and fresh garnishes that balance richness with brightness.

What makes loaded shawarma fries so special is the contrast: crunchy fries against juicy chicken, warm spices against cool sauces, and savory depth balanced with tangy pops from pickled onions or lemon. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well as a fun dinner, a shareable party platter, or a crave-worthy late-night meal.

Unlike traditional shawarma served in pita or flatbread, this version turns the flavors into a fork-friendly dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. Everything can be prepped ahead, layered just before serving, and customized to suit your spice tolerance and toppings. Once you try it, plain fries will never feel exciting again.

What Is Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made by marinating chicken in a blend of warm spices, garlic, lemon, and oil, then cooking it until deeply flavorful and tender. Traditionally, the chicken is cooked on a vertical spit and shaved into thin slices. At home, we recreate those flavors by marinating and pan-searing, grilling, or roasting the chicken to achieve that same savory intensity.

The spices are what define shawarma: cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander work together to create warmth without overwhelming heat. When paired with fries, these spices soak into every crispy bite, making each forkful deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries

Bold flavor with minimal effort – The marinade does most of the work
Perfect texture contrast – Crispy fries, juicy chicken, creamy sauces
Highly customizable – Adjust toppings, sauces, and spice levels
Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for sharing, parties, or casual dinners
Restaurant-quality at home – Street-food vibes without leaving your kitchen

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Ground coriander
Ground turmeric
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Black pepper

For the Fries

Russet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
Olive oil
Salt

For Toppings & Sauces

Garlic sauce (toum or yogurt-based garlic sauce)
Tahini sauce
Pickled red onions
Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chili sauce

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss until fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Fries
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes into fries and soak in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain, pat dry, toss with olive oil and salt, then spread on a baking sheet.
Bake the Fries
Bake fries for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Assemble the Loaded Fries
Transfer fries to a serving platter. Top with sliced shawarma chicken, drizzle generously with garlic sauce and tahini, and finish with pickled onions and parsley.
Serve Immediately
Serve hot while the fries are crisp and the chicken is juicy.