Craving shawarma? learn the art of crafting homemade middle eastern chicken shawarma
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with this step-by-step guide on how to make authentic chicken shawarma. From marinating the chicken to assembling the flavorful wrap, this comprehensive guide will empower you to recreate this beloved street food in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
For the Shawarma Wrap:
- 6 pita breads
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded lettuce
- 1 cup (240 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 grams) diced cucumbers
- 1 cup (240 grams) chopped onions
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken:
1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking the Chicken:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
3. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Assembling the Shawarma:
1. Spread a thin layer of tahini sauce on the pita bread.
2. Layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and chopped onions.
3. Top with the sliced chicken strips.
4. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired.
5. Wrap the pita bread tightly and cut it in half.
Tips
- For a more flavorful shawarma, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- For a vegetarian version of shawarma, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables.
- Serve the shawarma with extra tahini sauce and hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Variations
- Beef Shawarma: Replace the chicken with thinly sliced beef.
- Lamb Shawarma: Use thinly sliced lamb instead of chicken.
- Chicken Tikka Shawarma: Add a teaspoon of garam masala to the marinade for an Indian twist.
- Falafel Shawarma: Substitute the chicken with falafel balls.
Health Benefits
Chicken shawarma is a relatively healthy meal option, especially when made with whole-wheat pita bread and grilled chicken. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Wrap-Up: Unlocking the Secrets of Authentic Chicken Shawarma
Mastering the art of making Middle Eastern chicken shawarma is a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. By following this comprehensive guide, you can now recreate this beloved street food in your own kitchen and share the flavors with your loved ones.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts and will result in a more tender shawarma.
Q: What is a good substitute for tahini sauce?
A: If you don’t have tahini sauce, you can use hummus or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Q: Can I make shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the shawarma wraps ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: What are some other fillings I can use for shawarma?
A: In addition to chicken, you can also use beef, lamb, or falafel as fillings for shawarma.
