Chicken Shawarma can be described as one of the most popular meals in the whole world consisting of juicy and tender meat in vegetables with sauces and bread. However, chicken shawarma has become extraordinarily popular owing to its sort of mild flavor comparable to shawarma made from beef or mutton. Chicken shawarma made at home allows you to adjust it to your preferences and be very healthy and freshly made.
Well, let’s take you through some of the things you need to do to prepare and cook what we regard as the best chicken shawarma recipe right from your kitchen. We’ll also cover some of the frequently asked questions on shawarma to ensure you do not go wrong while preparing the dish. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
How to Make Chicken Shawarma – The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Chicken Marinade:
1 kg of chicken thigh or chicken breast with no skin on it
4 tablespoons plain yogurt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (only if you want to increase the ‘heat’ of the recipe).
Salt and black pepper according to
Shawarma Bread (Pita or Wrap):
For the base 6 pita breads or flatbreads
Alternatively, you may substitute store-bought tortilla or naan for the mentioned unit.
Shawarma Toppings:
1 cup sliced cucumbers
One cup served in thin slices of tomatoes.
1/2 cup thinly sliced onions The steps to prepare this dish: Wash the chicken and pat it dry before seasoning both sides with copious amounts of salt.
+ 1/4 cup fresh parsley that is chopped
Pickled vegetables (optional)
Sauces:
Tahini Sauce: 1/2 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 garlic clove minced, salt to taste and water to desired consistency
Garlic Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves minced, and salt.
Hot sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Chicken Shawarma
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken Marinade To make a perfect chicken shawarma, the marinade is even more important than the chicken itself. Simply mix the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices namely cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Combine all the ingredients into a paste-like substance.
After preparing the marinade, it is required to place chicken thighs or breasts in the given bowl. Redistribute the marinade evenly so that every piece of chicken is well enclosed with the marinade. To let the chicken marinate and get flavor from the mix cover the bowl with the plastic wrap, then put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
Step 2/5 – Everything you need to know about cooking the chicken
It is important to understand that the method of cooking the marinated chicken depends on the equipment available at home. The most basic way is to grill the chicken on the barbecue sticks it then turn over the open flame, but if this is not possible, do not despair! Here are two alternative methods: Here are two alternative methods:
Grilling: First of all, let’s heat up our grill on medium-high. Skewer the chicken pieces with the help of the marinade and grill for about six to eight minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has grill marks.
Pan Frying: If there’s no grill available, you can do them on a grill pan over medium-high heat with a teeny bit of olive oil. Pan-fry the marinated chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes on each side or until it turns golden-brown then leave it to cook inside until done.
Oven Roasting: First and foremost, make sure that the oven is set to 400°F (200°C degree). Position the marinated chicken on a baking tray and put this into the pre-heated oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes mid-way the chicken turns so that it can cook evenly.
If you find that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 70c then remove it from the dynamo cooking device and allow it to rest for approximately 5-7 minutes. When reading, cut the chicken into thin pieces for rolling in your pita bread or your flatbread.
Step 3 – Prepare the Shawarma Bread and Accompanying Sauces
At this stage, if you have not prepared your pita bread or flatbread you can do so while the chicken is cooking or resting. To be able to wrap with the bread, you might have to warm it a little in a dry pan or an oven for around 5 minutes.
In a side bowl, You may prepare your tahini sauce or your garlic sauce depending on the type of sauce you like. One can always thin down the sauces if felt too thick by adding a little water or lemon juice as required.
Step 4 – Assemble Your Shawarma
Now comes the fun part: while enjoying or preparing to make your chicken shawarma wraps! Place the pita bread that you have warmed on a clean surface while preparing the next step. First, prepare a slab of tahini or garlic sauce, and spread it onto the bread in a thick layer. Then add a portion of the cooked and sliced chicken in the center.
Top the chicken with your favorite shawarma toppings: slices of cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, fresh parsley, and pickles. To give it some more heat you can add some Tabasco or chili powder.
Press the ingredients in a pita bread and fold over the edges so that all the great fillings do not come out.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma
Marinating Time
The amount of time that the chicken takes to marinate determines the extent of flavor that it can take in. It is even more suitable to marinate the chicken for not less than 4 hours, but preferably the whole night. This helps the spices to well marinate with the meat so that every piece is flavored.
Cooking Techniques
Although grilling is the most appropriate method to give the shawarma the delicious smoky taste, you can pan-fry or oven-roast the shawarma in case you don’t have a grill.
Customizing Shawarma
Do not limit yourself to the toppings and sauces included here, you can add your own. You can always use your preferred types of vegetables, play around with sauces or even make it with low gluten by using lettuce wraps for the pita breads.
What is Chicken Shawarma Made Of?
Chicken shawarma is made from marinated chicken that’s typically grilled or roasted. The marinade usually includes yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric.
How Do You Serve Chicken Shawarma?
cken shawarma is usChiually served in pita bread or flatbread, accompanied by a variety of toppings such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and parsley. It’s often drizzled with tahini or garlic sauce and can be customized with hot sauce or other condiments.
Can I Make Chicken Shawarma Without a Grill?
Yes! While grilling adds an authentic smoky flavor, you can also cook chicken shawarma in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven.
How Long Should I Marinate Chicken for Shawarma?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors from the spices and yogurt marinade.
Is Shawarma Healthy?
Chicken shawarma can be a healthy option, especially if you make it at home. By controlling the ingredients, you can reduce the fat and sodium content, making it a nutritious, balanced meal with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
