Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of thinly sliced marinated chicken that is slow-cooked on a rotating vertical spit. The meat is usually served in a wrap, pita bread, or flatbread with accompaniments like tahini, garlic sauce, hummus, pickles, and vegetables. Shawarma has gained worldwide popularity due to its flavorful marinade, juicy texture, and rich combination of spices.

If you don't have access to a vertical spit, the dish can be easily prepared at home by grilling or roasting the marinated chicken and serving it with your choice of sauces and sides.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 4 tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Shawarma Wrap:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Tahini sauce or garlic sauce
• Hummus (optional)
• Pickles (cucumbers or turnips)
• Sliced onions (tossed in sumac, optional)
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

• In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional), and salt.
• Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
• Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. It's important to use chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat, though chicken breasts can also be used.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours (overnight for best results). This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Grilling Method:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
  • Grill each side for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

• Oven Roasting Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  • Place the marinated chicken on the tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • For a charred effect, broil the chicken for the last 3-4 minutes.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing into thin strips.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add a bit of oil to the pan and cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked.

3. Prepare the Shawarma Sauce:

• You can serve shawarma with either tahini sauce or garlic sauce. Here’s a simple garlic sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Wrap:

• Warm the pita bread or flatbread slightly in a pan or oven.
• Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the bread.
• Place a few slices of grilled chicken in the center.
• Add toppings like pickles, sliced onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and parsley.
• Optional: Add a spoonful of hummus for extra creaminess.
• Roll up the shawarma tightly, tucking in the sides to hold the filling.

5. Serve:

• Serve the chicken shawarma with extra garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or hummus on the side.
• For a complete meal, pair the shawarma with sides like fries, fattoush salad, or tabbouleh.

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Tips:

• Marination Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
• Charred Finish: For a smoky, authentic shawarma taste, grill or broil the chicken to achieve a slightly charred texture.
• Customize: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences—add sliced cucumbers, peppers, or other fresh vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken shawarma!