Name: Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken thigh fillets (skinless and boneless); 1 large garlic clove (minced (or 2 small cloves)); 1 tbsp ground coriander; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp ground cardamon; 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper ((reduce to 1/2 tsp to make it not spicy)); 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp salt; black pepper; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup Greek yoghurt; 1 clove garlic (crushed); 1 tsp cumin; squeeze of lemon juice; salt and pepper; 4-5 flatbreads (Lebanese or pita bread or homemade soft flatbreads); sliced lettuce ((cos or iceberg)); tomato slices; red onion (finely sliced); cheese (shredded (optional)); hot sauce of choice ((optional))

Introduction to Chicken Shawarma

What is Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken Shawarma is a delightful Middle Eastern dish made from marinated chicken, typically served in warm flatbreads and topped with fresh veggies and sauces. This dish stands out due to its rich blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom, which create an explosion of flavors with every bite. The chicken is usually cooked on a vertical spit, similar to gyros or tacos al pastor, giving it that signature tenderness and charred taste. If you’re looking for a convenient yet delicious meal, chicken shawarma is an excellent choice, whether enjoyed at a restaurant or crafted at home.

Why Chicken Shawarma is Perfect for Young Professionals

For busy young professionals, chicken shawarma checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With just 20 minutes to prepare and cook, it fits perfectly into a hectic schedule. The marinade can be prepped in advance, or even frozen for later use, allowing you to savor this delicious meal whenever you want. Plus, it’s versatile! You can swap ingredients and customize it to your taste, meaning you won’t tire of it easily. Served with a yogurt sauce, fresh salad, and warm flatbreads, it allows you to create a nourishing, well-rounded meal with minimal effort. Interested in exploring more about Middle Eastern cuisine? Take a peek at this resource for additional insights and recipes!

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

Essential Ingredients

To create a mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma, you'll need a selection of flavorful ingredients to bring the dish to life. Start with:

1 kg (2 lb) chicken thigh fillets: Opt for skinless and boneless thighs for juicy and tender meat. Alternatively, chicken breasts can work if sliced thinly.
Marinade:
1 large minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less for mildness)
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper
2 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoon olive oil

These ingredients will create a robust aroma and depth of flavor perfect for your wraps.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

Feel free to personalize your Chicken Shawarma with these optional ingredients:

Flatbreads: Choose Lebanese, pita, or homemade variations for the perfect wrap.
Fresh veggies: Add sliced lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions for a refreshing crunch.
Extras: Shredded cheese or your favorite hot sauce can amp up the flavor even more.

Don't forget to pair your Shawarma with a creamy yogurt sauce or a delightful tahini sauce for dipping! Want to know more about how to prepare the yogurt sauce? Check this detailed guide on Yogurt Sauce Recipes.

Preparing Chicken Shawarma

Making Chicken Shawarma at home is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. This Middle Eastern favorite is all about bold flavors and aromatic spices. Let’s dive into the steps that will take your Chicken Shawarma from a pile of ingredients to a sizzling feast!

Marinate the Chicken

The magic of Chicken Shawarma begins with the marinade. In a large ziplock bag, combine the following ingredients:

1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or adjust for less spice)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil

Add your 1 kg (2 lb) of skinless and boneless chicken thigh fillets to the bag. Seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken until each piece is well-coated. For the best flavors, marinate for a minimum of 3 hours or, if you can, up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up a quick and creamy yogurt sauce that complements the shawarma beautifully. Take a bowl and mix:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin
A squeeze of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. This yogurt sauce can last up to 3 days and is perfect for drizzling over your wraps!

Preheat the Cooking Surface

When you're ready to cook, preheat your cooking surface. For the best results, use a large non-stick skillet with about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. If you have a BBQ, lightly brush the grill with oil and heat it to medium-high. This step ensures that your chicken will grill perfectly, developing that desirable char we all love in Chicken Shawarma.

Cook the Chicken

Once your surface is hot, it’s time to cook the chicken. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet or on the grill, cooking one side for 4 to 5 minutes until it's nicely charred. Flip the chicken over and let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. The second side will take less time, so keep an eye on it!

Resting and Slicing the Chicken

After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful. Once rested, slice the chicken into strips and serve it on a platter alongside the yogurt sauce, flatbreads, and fresh vegetables for a delightful dining experience!

With these simple steps, you'll have perfectly marinated and cooked Chicken Shawarma ready to be enjoyed. Happy cooking!

Variations on Chicken Shawarma

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

If you're a fan of that smoky flavor, give grilled chicken shawarma a try! Marinate your chicken as per the original recipe, then fire up the BBQ for a perfect backyard feast. The high heat caramelizes the spices, resulting in crispy, tender bites that are simply irresistible. For those cozy nights, feel free to make this on a stovetop griddle as well—just be sure to keep the heat high for that delicious sear.

Vegetarian Shawarma Alternatives

Craving something meat-free? You can easily adapt the essence of chicken shawarma to suit a plant-based diet. Use marinated tofu, vibrant mushrooms, or hearty eggplant as the base. These can soak up all the rich spices of the marinade, bringing flavor front and center. Serve your vegetarian shawarma with the same toppings like yogurt sauce and fresh veggies for an equally delicious experience. For more ideas, don't forget to check out this chickpea shawarma recipe for an extra twist!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Chicken Shawarma

Tips for Marination

For the best Chicken Shawarma, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate, giving you that mouthwatering flavor. If you're short on time, even a 30-minute marinate will add some zest. Consider adding a splash of vinegar or yogurt for extra tenderness.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While grilling is the star for Chicken Shawarma, you can also use your stovetop or oven. Sear the chicken on high heat for a beautiful caramelization, or bake it at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. Want more flavor? Add a foil wrap for even juicier results. For more tips on cooking methods, check out this guide on various grilling techniques.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Shawarma

Pairing with Flatbreads and Salads

When it comes to serving Chicken Shawarma, pairing it with the right accompaniments can take your meal to the next level. Soft, warm flatbreads, such as pita or homemade flatbreads, are perfect for wrapping up that deliciously spiced chicken. Layer in fresh ingredients like sliced lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion for added crunch and flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to amp up the taste.

To complement the richness of the chicken, a refreshing salad is a must. A simple mixed greens salad or a Middle Eastern chickpea salad can bring brightness to your plate. Don't hesitate to explore more salad options from trusted sources like Bon Appétit.

Creative Serving Ideas

Want to make your Chicken Shawarma even more exciting? Consider these fun serving ideas:

Shawarma Platter – Arrange your chicken, flatbreads, and a variety of toppings on a large platter, inviting guests to build their own wraps. This interactive element makes for a fun dining experience.
Stuffed Pockets – Instead of traditional wraps, try stuffing your Chicken Shawarma into larger, more robust flatbreads for a hearty pocket meal.
On a Skewers – For a casual gathering, thread pieces of shawarma chicken onto skewers for easy serving and a touch of flair.

Experimenting with these ideas can elevate your next meal featuring Chicken Shawarma!

Time Breakdown for Chicken Shawarma

Preparation Time

Get ready to dive into this delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe with just 10 minutes of preparation! This quick step involves mixing the marinade and coating the chicken. Need to prep ahead? You can always marinate the chicken the night before for even better flavor!

Cooking Time

Once you’re ready to cook, it only takes about 10 minutes to grill or sauté the chicken to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight meal when time is of the essence!

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a speedy, yet utterly satisfying dish that’s ideal for both busy professionals and home cooks looking to impress their dinner guests!

Nutritional Facts for Chicken Shawarma

Calories

A serving of Chicken Shawarma contains approximately 275 calories, making it a wholesome meal option for those looking to indulge without overdoing it.

Protein Content

With about 32.9 grams of protein per serving, this dish is an excellent source of lean protein, perfect for fueling your active lifestyle or post-workout recovery.

Other Nutritional Information

Fat: 16.2 grams (3.2 grams saturated)
Cholesterol: 140 mg
Sodium: 918 mg
This nourishing option provides essential nutrients while allowing for a delicious culinary experience. For more insights, check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central for detailed nutritional data on chicken. Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma with added veggies to boost fiber and vitamins!

FAQs about Chicken Shawarma

What can I use instead of chicken thighs?

If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs. Just slice the breast horizontally to create thinner pieces for a quicker cooking time. While thighs provide more flavor and tenderness due to their fat content, breasts can still yield delicious results when marinated and cooked properly.

How do I store leftover Shawarma?

Leftover Chicken Shawarma can be easily stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Ideally, it should be consumed within 3 days for the best flavor and safety. If you have leftover Yogurt Sauce, it can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a zip-top bag, which will keep it fresh for up to 3 months.

Can I make Shawarma ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the great things about Chicken Shawarma is that it can be prepped ahead. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance or even freeze it in the marinade for later use. For best results, consider grilling or cooking the chicken beforehand and simply reheating it right before serving. This helps maintain its flavor and juiciness. Check out our article on meal prep tips for more ideas!

Conclusion on Chicken Shawarma

Recap of Chicken Shawarma's Appeal

Chicken Shawarma shines with its flavorful marinade and delicious aroma, making it a beloved dish worldwide. It's easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. The tender, juicy chicken wrapped in warm flatbread is simply irresistible.

Invitation to Get Cooking!

Now that you know how easy it is to create this delightful Middle Eastern classic, why not try making Chicken Shawarma at home? Gather your ingredients, invite friends or family, and elevate your mealtime experience. Happy cooking! For more Middle Eastern-inspired recipes, check out this delicious dips guide and add some sides to complement your meal!