What is chicken shawarma and how is it made?

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made by marinating thin slices of chicken in a blend of spices, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar. The meat is traditionally stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-cooked while rotating, which keeps it tender and flavorful. Once cooked, the chicken is shaved off and often served in pita bread with toppings like tahini sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and onions.

How can I make chicken shawarma at home without a rotisserie?

You can make chicken shawarma at home by marinating thin chicken strips in a mixture of spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic, and lemon juice for at least 2 hours. Cook the chicken on a hot grill pan or skillet until it’s fully cooked and slightly charred to mimic the rotisserie effect. Serve with pita, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauce for an authentic taste.

What spices are commonly used to season chicken shawarma?

Chicken shawarma seasoning typically includes a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic powder, and sometimes cayenne pepper. This mix provides a balanced flavor that’s warm, earthy, and slightly smoky. Including yogurt or lemon juice in the marinade helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor depth.

Is chicken shawarma a healthy meal option?

Chicken shawarma can be healthy when prepared with lean cuts and grilled rather than fried. It offers high protein content and is often paired with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, which add fiber and nutrients. To keep it light, opt for whole wheat pita and use moderate amounts of sauces, avoiding those that are high in sugar or fat.

How should I store leftover chicken shawarma and how long does it keep?

Leftover chicken shawarma should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and food safety. For best flavor, add fresh vegetables and sauce after reheating.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe With Spices And Garlic Sauce 2024

Name: Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: PT-494358H5M59S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: – 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets; – 1 large garlic clove, minced; – 1 tablespoon ground coriander; – 1 tablespoon ground cumin; – 1 tablespoon ground cardamom; – 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; – 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; – 2 teaspoons salt; – Black pepper to taste; – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; – 3 tablespoons olive oil; – 1 cup Greek yogurt; – 1 clove garlic, crushed; – 1 teaspoon cumin; – Squeeze of lemon juice; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 4 to 5 pieces of Lebanese or pita bread or homemade soft flatbreads; – Sliced lettuce (cos or iceberg); – Tomato slices; – Finely sliced red onion; – Shredded cheese (optional); – Hot sauce of choice (optional)

Ingredients

– 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets

– 1 large garlic clove, minced

– 1 tablespoon ground coriander

– 1 tablespoon ground cumin

– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom

– 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

– 2 teaspoons salt

– Black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 cup Greek yogurt

– 1 clove garlic, crushed

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– Squeeze of lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 4 to 5 pieces of Lebanese or pita bread or homemade soft flatbreads

– Sliced lettuce (cos or iceberg)

– Tomato slices

– Finely sliced red onion

– Shredded cheese (optional)

– Hot sauce of choice (optional)

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Instructions

1- First, mix all the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag: 1 large garlic clove minced, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, seal the bag, and massage it well to coat every piece. Pop it in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours for the best taste, though 3 hours will do in a pinch.

2- Next, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic crushed, 1 teaspoon cumin, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill it for at least 20 minutes so the flavors blend nicely; it keeps in the fridge up to 3 days.

3- Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-high with 1 tablespoon oil, or get your BBQ grill ready. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s charred and fully done. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes under loose foil to keep it juicy, then slice it up.

4- Serve it with flatbreads, lettuce, tomato, onion, the yogurt sauce, and any extras like cheese or hot sauce. Everyone can build their own wraps, making it fun and interactive. For tips on grilling, note that while the stove works great, you can also bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes for a quick alternative.

Last Step:

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Notes

🕒 Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor; at least 3 hours works well.
❄️ Freeze chicken in marinade for convenient meal prep.
🔥 Prefer chicken thighs for juiciness and caramelization; thinly sliced breast can be substituted and cooked quickly.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 3 to 24 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Marinating, Pan-frying, Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten (if served with pita or flatbread)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 275 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 918 mg
Fat: 16.2 g
Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 32.9 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg