Chicken Shawarma

CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAKING THE BEST HOMEMADE CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Chicken Shawarma is an iconic Middle Eastern dish that has taken the world by storm. This deliciously spiced chicken, marinated with a combination of bold spices and cooked to perfection, is not just a dish but a global sensation. Whether you enjoy it as a wrap in pita bread or served over a plate of rice with fresh toppings, Chicken Shawarma is undeniably one of the most popular street foods globally. Today, we’re going to dive deep into how to make the best Chicken Shawarma recipe in your own kitchen!

If you’ve ever wondered what is chicken shawarma, or if you’ve been searching for a recipe that brings out the true flavors of this Middle Eastern delicacy, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from marinating the chicken to assembling the final dish, ensuring that you’ll recreate that restaurant-quality chicken shawarma right at home.

WHAT IS CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE?

Before we begin with the Chicken Shawarma recipe, it’s important to understand the origins and nature of this dish. Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern street food made from spiced, marinated chicken that is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The word “shawarma” comes from the Turkish word “çevirme,” meaning “to turn,” referring to the method of cooking where the meat is placed on a rotating spit and cooked slowly.

The chicken is marinated with a mix of rich spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic, giving it a signature deep and earthy flavor profile. It’s traditionally served with accompaniments like tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini or garlic sauce, all wrapped in pita bread or served over a plate of rice. Chicken Shawarma is often enjoyed as a sandwich or as part of a mezze platter.

Though Chicken Shawarma was originally made with lamb, the chicken version has become a favorite due to its lightness, juiciness, and ability to absorb all the bold flavors from the marinade. Whether served in restaurants or from food trucks, Chicken Shawarma has earned its place as one of the most beloved street foods worldwide. With this recipe, you can recreate that flavorful experience right in your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

To make an authentic Chicken Shawarma recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s important to choose the right chicken and use a mix of spices that will give the shawarma its signature flavor.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – 1.5 lbs (Chicken thighs are ideal for chicken for shawarma because they are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts. Thighs also retain moisture during cooking, ensuring a juicy result.)
• Plain Yogurt – 1/2 cup (Yogurt serves as the base for the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.)
• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp (This adds richness and helps in the marination process.)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (Garlic is a key flavor component of chicken shawarma.)
• Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp (The acidity from lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat and balances the spices.)
• Ground Cumin – 1 tsp (Cumin gives the shawarma its signature earthy flavor.)
• Ground Paprika – 1 tsp (Paprika adds a smoky depth and enhances the color of the chicken.)
• Ground Turmeric – 1/2 tsp (Turmeric gives the chicken a golden color and a subtle warm flavor.)
• Ground Coriander – 1/2 tsp (Coriander provides a citrusy note that complements the spices.)
• Ground Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp (Cinnamon adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.)
• Ground Allspice – 1/4 tsp (Allspice enhances the savory aspect of the dish, creating a more rounded flavor.)
• Ground Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp (Pepper brings a mild heat to balance the other spices.)
• Salt – 1 tsp (Salt is essential for enhancing all the flavors.)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (This will bring an extra garlicky punch to the sauce.)
• Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (Mayonnaise is the creamy base for the sauce, adding smoothness and richness.)
• Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp (Lemon juice adds freshness and balances the creaminess of the mayo.)
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp (Olive oil adds richness and silkiness to the garlic sauce.)
• Salt – 1/4 tsp (For seasoning the sauce.)
• Ground Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp (To season the garlic sauce and add flavor.)

For the Shawarma Wrap:

• Tomatoes – 2, sliced (Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and brightness.)
• Cucumbers – 1, sliced thinly (Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch to the shawarma.)
• Red Onion – 1/2, thinly sliced (Red onions contribute a sweet and sharp flavor.)
• Pita Bread or Flatbread – 4 pieces (Pita is the classic choice for serving shawarma, but you can also use flatbread or even tortillas.)
• Fresh Parsley – A handful, chopped (For garnish and extra flavor.)

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making the best Chicken Shawarma recipe.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

STEP 1: MARINATE THE CHICKEN FOR CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

The marination process is essential for ensuring that the Chicken Shawarma is flavorful, tender, and juicy. The yogurt and spices in the marinade infuse the chicken with the signature flavor, while also tenderizing the meat.

1. In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-blended marinade.
3. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination is recommended to allow the flavors to develop fully.

STEP 2: COOKING THE CHICKEN FOR CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

The traditional way to cook Chicken Shawarma is by using a vertical rotisserie, where the meat is cooked slowly on a rotating spit. However, if you don’t have a rotisserie, you can achieve a similar result using a grill or skillet. Here’s how to cook your marinated chicken.

GRILLING METHOD (PREFERRED):

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. If you have skewers, thread the marinated chicken thighs onto them. If not, you can simply place the chicken directly on the grill.
3. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
5. Slice the chicken into thin strips, ensuring you cut against the grain for a tender texture.

PAN-FRYING METHOD (ALTERNATIVE):

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet and cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Slice the chicken into thin strips as you would for the grilling method.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE GARLIC SAUCE

The garlic sauce is an essential component of Chicken Shawarma. It’s creamy, garlicky, and adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more garlic, lemon juice, or salt.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Now that your chicken is cooked and the garlic sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Shawarma:

1. Warm the pita bread or flatbread by placing it on a hot grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds.
2. Lay the warm pita flat on a clean surface.
3. Place a generous amount of the sliced Chicken Shawarma in the center of the pita.
4. Add the fresh tomato slices, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced onions.
5. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the ingredients.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Roll the pita tightly, folding in the sides to form a neat wrap.

STEP 5: ENJOY YOUR CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Your homemade Chicken Shawarma is now ready! Slice it in half and enjoy it as a satisfying meal. You can also serve it with some extra garlic sauce or any other condiments you love, such as tahini or hot sauce. Chicken Shawarma is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun weeknight meal that’s sure to impress.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

Here are some additional tips to ensure that your Chicken Shawarma is as delicious as possible:

TIP 1: USE CHICKEN THIGHS FOR EXTRA FLAVOR AND JUICINESS

While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are highly recommended for Chicken Shawarma. Thighs have more fat, which helps them stay tender and juicy during cooking. They also absorb the marinade better, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

TIP 2: MARINATE FOR LONGER

For the best results, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally, let it marinate overnight.The flavors will be stronger the longer the chicken marinates. This also gives the yogurt more time to soften the meat, making the cut extremely juicy.

TIP 3: GRILLING IMPARTS AUTHENTIC FLAVOR

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky, charred flavor that is characteristic of Chicken Shawarma. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar result by cooking the chicken on a stovetop griddle pan or a regular skillet.

TIP 4: CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOPPINGS

While traditional toppings for Chicken Shawarma include tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, feel free to customize your wrap with your favorite ingredients. You can add pickled vegetables, lettuce, or even roasted peppers for a different flavor.

TIP 5: SERVE WITH EXTRA SAUCES

If you love sauces, serve your Chicken Shawarma with extra garlic sauce, tahini, or even a spicy hot sauce for an extra kick.

WHERE TO FIND CHICKEN SHAWARMA NEAR ME

If you’re not in the mood to cook but are craving Chicken Shawarma, you can easily find it at local restaurants or food trucks. Simply search for “chicken shawarma near me” in your preferred search engine or food delivery app to discover places that serve this delicious dish near you.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE

Making Chicken Shawarma at home is a rewarding experience that lets you enjoy this Middle Eastern classic any time you want. With the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and a little love, you can create a homemade shawarma that rivals any restaurant. Whether you enjoy it on a busy weeknight or as a fun weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.