Homemade Chicken Shawarma 🥙🔥

Introduction

Welcome to the delicious world of homemade chicken shawarma! If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you’re in for a treat. This mouthwatering dish features succulent marinated chicken, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with a variety of flavorful toppings and sauces. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a tasty meal, learning how to make chicken shawarma at home will surely impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the process of creating your very own chicken shawarma masterpiece!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable chicken shawarma:

– 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup of olive oil

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

– 2 teaspoons of ground cumin

– 2 teaspoons of ground paprika

– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander

– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric

– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Pita bread for serving

– Toppings and sauces of your choice (e.g., tahini sauce, garlic sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions)

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

2. Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

4. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.

6. Warm the pita bread on the grill or stovetop for a few seconds on each side.

7. Fill each pita bread with the sliced chicken and your desired toppings and sauces.

8. Roll up the pita bread tightly, securing it with parchment paper or foil if needed.

9. Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma immediately while it’s still warm and all the flavors are at their peak!

Variations

While the classic chicken shawarma recipe is undeniably delicious, feel free to put your own spin on it with these variations:

– Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even a combination of both.

– Experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavor profiles.

– Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra texture and taste.

– For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and marinate them in the same flavorful marinade.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your homemade chicken shawarma turns out perfect every time:

– For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.

– If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.

– Don’t overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

– Warm the pita bread before assembling the shawarma to make it more pliable and easier to roll.

– Get creative with your toppings and sauces! The beauty of chicken shawarma is that you can customize it to your liking.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to make homemade chicken shawarma. With its tantalizing blend of spices and juicy chicken, this Middle Eastern favorite is sure to become a regular in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it for a cozy night in, the flavors and aromas of chicken shawarma will transport you to the streets of the Middle East. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor the incredible taste of homemade chicken shawarma!

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

A: Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken breast tends to cook faster.

Q: Can I make the marinade in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken shawarma?

A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: What are some common toppings for chicken shawarma?

A: Some popular toppings include tahini sauce, garlic sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings!

🍽️

Servings

⏱️

Prep time

120 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

16 minutes

📊

Calories

425 kcal

Learn how to make delicious homemade chicken shawarma with succulent marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with flavorful toppings and sauces.

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Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Pita bread for serving
Toppings and sauces of your choice (e.g., tahini sauce, garlic sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions)

Directions

In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken for a few minutes.
Slice cooked chicken into thin strips.
Warm pita bread on the grill or stovetop for a few seconds on each side.
Fill each pita bread with sliced chicken and desired toppings and sauces.
Roll up the pita bread tightly, securing it with parchment paper or foil if needed.
Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma immediately while still warm.