I didn't know about this.

 

“I Didn't Know About This!” – The Ultimate 2000-Word Recipe for Chicken Shawarma Lasagna

A fusion dish that brings the Middle Eastern spice and savoriness of chicken shawarma into the cheesy, comforting layers of Italian-style lasagna. It’s unique, it's mouth-watering, and most people don't know it exists—until they try it and get hooked.

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📝 Introduction: A Surprising Flavor Marriage

When you hear the words lasagna and shawarma, your brain may hesitate. One’s a beloved Italian baked pasta dish, the other’s a street-food staple from the Middle East. But what happens when you fuse the two? You get a dish so uniquely flavorful and comforting that people who try it often say, “I didn’t know about this, but now I can’t stop making it!”

This recipe gives you tender chicken marinated in garlic, lemon, and warm spices, layered with creamy béchamel, mozzarella, and sheets of lasagna pasta. The result is crispy on top, creamy in the middle, and full of bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.

Ready to surprise your guests—and yourself?

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to build the perfect Chicken Shawarma Lasagna.

🔥 For the Shawarma Chicken:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferred for juiciness)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

🥣 For the Béchamel (White Sauce):

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk (warm)

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• Salt and white pepper to taste

🧀 Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• Optional: crumbled feta or halloumi for Middle Eastern flair

🍝 Pasta:

• 9–12 sheets of lasagna noodles (depending on pan size)

• Boiled according to package instructions OR use no-boil variety

🌿 Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Pickled red onions or turnips

• A drizzle of garlic tahini sauce

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🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and all the spices. Whisk until well combined.

2. Add chicken thighs and mix to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

3. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

💡 Pro Tip: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts — they stay juicy and soak up the marinade better.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken Shawarma

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sear the chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden-brown.

3. Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes.

4. Slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

🍗 You can also grill or oven-roast the chicken at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes.

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Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Don’t let it brown.

3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Bring to a gentle simmer and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

5. Add salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).

🍶 Your béchamel should coat the back of a spoon. Not too runny, not too thick.

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Step 4: Prep the Pasta

If using regular lasagna sheets:

• Boil according to package instructions until al dente.

• Rinse with cold water and lay flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.

If using no-boil noodles:

• Just be sure your sauces are slightly more liquidy to help cook them through during baking.

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Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Layering:

• Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce to coat the bottom.

• Layer 1: Add a layer of lasagna noodles.

• Layer 2: Spread ⅓ of the béchamel sauce.

• Layer 3: Sprinkle ⅓ of the cooked shawarma chicken.

• Layer 4: Sprinkle some mozzarella and a bit of parmesan.

• Repeat layers until all components are used, finishing with béchamel and a generous layer of cheese on top.

🧄 Optional: Mix garlic confit or roasted garlic into the béchamel for extra depth.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil (tent to avoid touching cheese).

2. Bake for 30 minutes.

3. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until top is bubbly and golden.

4. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

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🧄 Add a Garlic Tahini Drizzle (Optional but Amazing)

Quick Recipe:

• ¼ cup tahini

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2–4 tablespoons cold water

• Salt to taste

Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the lasagna just before serving, or serve on the side.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple tomato cucumber salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil.

• Pair with pickled turnips or pickled red onions for acidity.

• A light mint yogurt dip also balances the richness.

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🥄 Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

• Freezes well for up to 2 months.

• Reheat in oven at 175°C (350°F) covered with foil, or in microwave.

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🔄 Variations and Twists

• Beef Shawarma Lasagna: Use the same recipe, substituting chicken with marinated, sliced beef sirloin.

• Vegetarian Version: Use roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and grilled eggplant instead of meat.

• Spicy Version: Add harissa or chili flakes to the béchamel or sprinkle in between layers.

• Cheese Swaps: Try kasseri, kashkaval, or halloumi for Middle Eastern cheese vibes.

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🧠 Why It Works – The Science of Surprise

• Shawarma spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon give warmth and depth, balancing the creamy béchamel.

• Chicken thighs stay juicy through baking.

• Mozzarella and parmesan add the classic lasagna pull and bite.

• Tahini or pickles on the side offer tang and contrast, keeping the dish exciting bite after bite.

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🎉 Final Thoughts: The Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed

The first bite of this dish is usually followed by stunned silence. Then a “Wait—what is this?” And then the inevitable: “I didn’t know about this. But I want the recipe.”

It’s unexpected, indulgent, and wildly satisfying. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to shake up your meal prep, Chicken Shawarma Lasagna is your new secret weapon.