Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Middle Eastern Flavors At Home

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup of fresh lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, olive oil, lemon juice and Greek yogurt.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix until all the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill or skillet over medium heat.
  4. Cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked and have a nice char on them. Set them aside to rest for a few minutes.
  5. While the chicken is resting, warm up your pita bread on the grill or in the oven.
  6. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
  7. Assemble your shawarma: spread a layer of Greek yogurt on the pita, add the chicken slices, and top with fresh lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top.
  8. Fold the pita bread over the filling and serve your homemade Chicken Shawarma hot.

Tools for making

  • Grill or Skillet - Either a grill or a skillet can be used to cook the chicken thighs.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken.
  • Tongs - Tongs will come in handy for flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the cooked chicken into strips.
  • Grill or Oven - You will need either a grill or an oven to warm up the pita bread.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is useful for slicing the vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the spices.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for a leaner option.
  • Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a tangier flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the marinade for a hint of warmth and sweetness.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs like oregano, sumac, or cardamom to create your own unique flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Wrap the shawarma filling in a tortilla or lavash bread instead of pita bread.
  • Include pickles, tahini sauce, or garlic sauce as additional toppings for extra flavor.
  • Add some heat by including sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the chicken shawarma filling over a bed of greens as a salad.
  • Consider grilling or roasting the vegetables like bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish that's packed with intense flavors. It involves marinating chicken thighs in a flavorful blend of spices and Greek yogurt, grilling them to perfection, and then serving them in warm pita bread with a variety of fresh vegetables. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that's both hearty and healthy. With this straightforward recipe, you'll be able to bring the delicious taste of Chicken Shawarma right into your own kitchen. Expect to be enchanted by the wonderful aroma of spices while cooking and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal.

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken? - The chicken should be marinated for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? - Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. However, thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
  3. Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling it? - Absolutely! If you prefer, you can bake the marinated chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
  4. What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma? - Chicken Shawarma is typically served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and yogurt sauce. You can also serve it with rice, hummus, or tabbouleh salad as side dishes.
  5. Can I make the marinade in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Skillet - You will need either a grill or a skillet to cook the marinated chicken thighs.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping the chicken while cooking.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary to slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
  • Grill or Oven - You will need a grill or an oven to warm up the pita bread.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is handy for chopping the fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the spices for the marinade.

Origin stories

Shawarma is a gem that comes from the Middle East. It is believed to have originated from the Ottoman Empire, now modern-day Turkey, where it was traditionally prepared with lamb or beef. The true beauty of Shawarma, however, lies in the method of cooking. The meat is marinated and then stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted for hours, a culinary spectacle to behold. The word 'Shawarma' itself comes from the Turkish word 'çevirme', which beautifully translates to 'turning'. This luscious dish found its way across the globe, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. Today, it is common to find Shawarma being prepared with chicken, especially in countries where lamb or beef isn't as widely consumed. And thus, the Chicken Shawarma was born, a testament to the adaptability and global appeal of this ancient culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.