Shawarma Chicken

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SHAWARMA CHICKEN

INTRODUCTION

Shawarma is a traditional dish from the Middle East, known for its rich flavors of spices, vegetables, and meat. It can be made with chicken, lamb, or beef, and its preparation varies by region. Chicken Shawarma is the lighter and tastier version of this classic dish, where the chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled or pan-cooked. This dish is typically served in pita bread or flatbreads, topped with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and onions, and accompanied by garlic sauce or tahini.

INGREDIENTS

• • 500 g chicken breast (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 150 g plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • Pita bread or flatbread for serving
  • Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumber) for garnish
  • Garlic sauce or tahini for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated onion, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, lemon juice, yogurt, vinegar (optional), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you get a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips or uniform pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally for 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight for deeper flavors.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If using a grill, you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your grill.
4. Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a skillet. Fill each bread with a portion of cooked chicken, then add fresh chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onions). You can also add garlic sauce or tahini for extra flavor.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce or tahini on the side. You can also serve it with fries or rice for a complete meal.

TIPS

• For a more authentic flavor, you can add a tablespoon of za’atar to the marinade.
• If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
• You can also cook the chicken in the oven by placing it on a baking sheet at 200°C (390°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.