Butter chicken shawarma: the ultimate guide for home chefs

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of butter chicken shawarma, a delectable fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll master the art of crafting this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Butter Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

For the Shawarma:

• 1 package (12) small pita breads
• 1 cup shredded white cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped mint
• 1 cup butter chicken sauce (see recipe below)
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (see recipe below)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Butter Chicken Marinade:
1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Make the Butter Chicken Sauce:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

Assemble the Shawarma:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Grill the chicken pieces until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Warm the pita breads on the grill or in the microwave.
4. Spread a layer of butter chicken sauce on each pita bread.
5. Top with the shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, cilantro, and mint.
6. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
7. Fold the pita breads in half or roll them up tightly.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken Shawarma:

• Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with additional butter chicken sauce and tzatziki sauce on the side.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables to the shawarma, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Use different types of pita bread, such as whole wheat or lavash bread.
• Top the shawarma with your favorite cheese, such as feta or cheddar.

The Final Verdict:

Butter chicken shawarma is a delectable fusion of flavors that’s sure to impress your taste buds. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily master this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a journey of gastronomic delight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may become drier than chicken thighs.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, but 4-8 hours is sufficient.

Q: Can I make the butter chicken shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauces ahead of time. Assemble the shawarma just before serving.

Q: What can I serve with the butter chicken shawarma?
A: You can serve the shawarma with rice, naan bread, or a side salad.

Q: How can I make the shawarma spicier?
A: You can add more cayenne pepper to the butter chicken sauce or serve the shawarma with hot sauce.