Chicken Shawarma In A Loaf Pan Recipe

The Perfect Loaf Pan Chicken Shawarma Recipe for Home Chefs

My recent obsession with Middle Eastern street chicken shawarma led me to develop this unique loaf pan method that simplifies traditional preparation.

Spices dance across tender meat, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Home cooks can easily replicate restaurant-style results without specialized equipment.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular centerpiece for any meal.

Fragrant herbs and warming spices infuse each delectable bite with authentic regional character.

Quick assembly and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.

You’ll love how effortlessly this approach brings international cuisine directly to your kitchen table.

What Makes Chicken Shawarma So Enjoyable

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering dish that brings pure joy to the dinner table, perfect for satisfying hungry families and friends.
  • Simplify Cooking Complexity: Master this recipe with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic kitchen know-how and a few straightforward steps to create a delicious meal.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary casserole that works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with minimal prep time.
  • Layer with Love: Build incredible flavor profiles by strategically stacking ravioli, saucy sausage, and melty cheese, creating a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Chicken Shawarma Loaf Pan Ingredient List

For the Proteins:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the dish.
  • Ravioli: Pasta pockets that serve as the main carbohydrate base of the recipe.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and adds creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and thick sauce for coating the ingredients.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a stretchy, melty topping that creates a golden crust.
For the Seasonings and Extras:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a touch of color and fresh herb flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide for Chicken Shawarma

Step-by-Step Guide for Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Grab a large skillet and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat.

Break it into crumbly pieces as it sizzles, making sure to drain any extra grease.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Goodness

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let it dance around for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Create Creamy Alfredo Magic

Stir in these delightful ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to punch up the flavor.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Spread a thin, silky layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.

Step 6: First Ravioli Layer

Arrange half of the ravioli on top of the sauce, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 7: Add Sausage and Cheese

Scatter half of the sausage mixture over the ravioli, then blanket it with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Repeat the Delicious Layers

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, sausage mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 20 minutes of magical cooking.

Step 10: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly with irresistible appeal.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for a few moments.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Smart Tips to Master Chicken Shawarma

  • Break up the sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform flavor distribution and prevent large clumps.
  • Stir the Alfredo sauce continuously to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning or separating the ingredients.
  • Create even layers of ravioli, sausage, and cheese to guarantee each bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
  • Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the ravioli from drying out.
  • Uncover the dish in the final baking stage to allow the mozzarella to develop a beautiful golden-brown, crispy top.

Fun New Takes on Chicken Shawarma Loaf

  • Mediterranean Veggie Shawarma: Replace chicken with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, seasoned with traditional shawarma spices for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Lamb Shawarma: Swap chicken for ground lamb, adding extra chili flakes and harissa paste to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
  • Greek-Style Chicken Shawarma: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce to give the dish a classic Greek interpretation.
  • Moroccan Fusion Shawarma: Mix in preserved lemons, ras el hanout spice blend, and topped with herbed couscous for a North African-inspired variation.

Chicken Shawarma Loaf Pan Side Matches

  • Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty sausage and creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Cleanse Palate with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy, indulgent flavors and add brightness.
  • Serve Garlic Bread on Side: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy ravioli bake.
  • Match with Sparkling Water: Choose a chilled sparkling water with lemon to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites of this decadent pasta dish.

Keeping Chicken Shawarma Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish can last up to 2 months without losing quality. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are essential for this recipe?

The key ingredients include Italian sausage, ravioli, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, butter, salt, and pepper.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy layers and familiar flavors of sausage and ravioli make it a great meal for children and adults alike.

  • What type of ravioli works best?

Cheese ravioli is recommended, but you can also use meat-filled ravioli for added flavor and variety.

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Chicken Shawarma In A Loaf Pan Recipe

Chicken Shawarma In A Loaf Pan Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent chicken shawarma promises a Middle Eastern culinary journey wrapped in crispy, golden perfection. Spice-laden layers meld together, delivering authentic flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Lebanon.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) Italian sausage
  • 1 package (about 25 ounces) cheese-filled ravioli

Cheeses:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing for a culinary adventure.
  2. In a sizzling skillet, transform the Italian sausage over medium heat, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until fully cooked.
  3. Drain away excess fat, then introduce butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
  6. Spread a delicate layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.
  7. Arrange the first layer of ravioli atop the sauce, creating a precise foundation.
  8. Distribute half of the sausage mixture evenly over the ravioli, followed by a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Repeat the layering process, building a second tier with remaining ravioli, sausage mixture, and mozzarella.
  10. Encase the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes to develop deep flavors.
  11. Uncover and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
  12. Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting flavors meld, then garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of shawarma seasoning to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or lamb for dietary variations and diverse taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 910 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 70 g
  • Saturated Fat: 35 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 230 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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