Here’s a delicious recipe for chicken shawarma:
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Fresh vegetables: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce
- Tzatziki sauce or garlic yogurt sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices.
- Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Grill or cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Slice the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbread.
- Place a generous amount of sliced chicken on each piece of bread.
- Top with fresh vegetables, parsley, and a drizzle of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce.
- Roll or fold the bread around the fillings.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken shawarma immediately, while warm.
Tips:
- Marinade Time: Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best flavor.
- Cooking Method: You can also bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Serving: Pair the shawarma with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple salad for a complete meal.