You know when you enjoy something so much you immediately sprint to make another one? Well that’s what happened here – say hello to your new favorite lazy weeknight dinner: these Chicken Shawarma Naan Pizzas come together so quick using just 5 Trader Joe’s staples:
- Garlic Naan (as our pizza base – gets shockingly crisp!)
- Shawarma Chicken Thighs (these are SO good)
- Toum/Garlic Spread (aka a garlic girls heaven, provides like a white sauce base to our pizza)
- Zhoug Sauce (for that herby, spicy kick)
- Shredded Mozzarella
Once everything is cooked and assembled, you’ve got a crispy, cheesy, flavor-bomb of a pizza with creamy garlic, juicy spiced chicken, and just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll be shocked how much flavor you can get out of such few ingredients.
What is Toum?
Toum is a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce that’s light, fluffy, and intensely garlicky (in the best way possible). Made from just garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, it has a creamy, almost whipped texture—kind of like a garlic aioli, but dairy-free. At Trader Joe’s, you’ll find it in the refrigerated dips section labeled “garlic spread”. It’s the perfect spread for sandwiches, wraps, grilled meats… or, in this case, as the garlic “sauce” base for your naan pizza, reminiscent of a white sauce pizza.
What is Zhoug?
Zhoug (also spelled zhug or skhug) is a spicy, herb-packed sauce that originated in Yemen and is popular across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It’s made from fresh cilantro, parsley, chili peppers, garlic, and warm spices like cardamom and cumin. The Trader Joe’s version has a bright, punchy flavor with a good bit of heat—kind of like a spicy chimichurri with Middle Eastern flair. A little goes a long way, and it’s amazing drizzled over roasted meats, veggies, or as a finishing touch on this shawarma pizza.
Notes:
- If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, Whole Foods may be the next best option since they have toum and likely will have zhoug as well.
- You can also make the zhoug yourself using my recipe here.
- All naan brands will work with this, just make sure if you are using frozen naan that you defrost it before adding the toppings.
- If you are sensitive to spice, I would limit the amount of zhoug you use, or choose a chimichurri or something less spicy.
- As an alternative to the pre-marinated shawarma chicken thighs from Trader Joe’s, you can marinate the chicken thighs with store bought shawarma seasoning, or with cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, and black pepper.
Chicken Shawarma Naan Pizza
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Say hello to your new favorite lazy weeknight dinner: these Shawarma Naan Pizzas come together so quick using just 5 Trader Joe’s staples
Ingredients
For the Shawarma Naan Pizzas:
- 1 lb Shawarma pre-marinated chicken thighs
- 4 frozen garlic naan
- ½ cup toum (garlic spread dip)
- ½ cup zhoug sauce (depending on spice preference)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ red onion, diced (optional)
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
For the Shawarma Naan Pizzas
- Remove the naan from the freezer and place on a sheetpan to defrost while the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- To cook the chicken, you can either cook in a skillet or air fry.
- For the Air Fryer: preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and air fry at 425°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For Skillet: heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and spray with avocado oil. Once hot, add in the chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into 1” pieces.
- Spread 2 tbsps toum over each naan and top evenly with the chicken. Top with about ½ cup mozzarella cheese and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and naan is crisp.
- Top with dollops of zhoug sauce and diced red onion, slice, and serve. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Quick & Easy