How To Make A Delicious Chicken Shawarma At Home

Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its delicious taste and rich history. Made with marinated and thinly sliced chicken, this dish is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in various ways. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making chicken shawarma at home, complete with a recipe and insights into its health benefits.

What is chicken shawarma made of?

The primary ingredient is boneless and skinless chicken, often chicken thighs or chicken breast, which is sliced into thin strips or shavings, which will be later on marinated in a flavorful mixture that typically includes ingredients but it doesn’t end there, we split the recipes into three parts

Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipes:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Shawarma Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, ground spices, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread it onto skewers if desired.
4. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked, with nice grill marks. You can also use a skillet if you don’t have a grill.
5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the shawarma sauce by mixing tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or skillet, and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice it.
7. To serve, warm the pita or flatbreads, spread some shawarma sauce, add sliced chicken, and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, and pickles if desired.
8. Roll up the bread to create a shawarma wrap or serve it open-faced as a plate. Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma!

Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma:

1. Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle development and repair.
2. Healthy Fats: Olive oil and tahini in the marinade and sauce provide healthy monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: The spices in the marinade, such as turmeric and cinnamon, offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic provides vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and manganese.
4. Probiotics: Yogurt in the marinade contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
5. Low Carb Option: When served with a salad or in lettuce wraps, chicken shawarma can be a low-carb meal suitable for various dietary preferences.

Conclusion:

Homemade chicken shawarma is not only a mouthwatering delight but also offers a range of health benefits. By preparing it at home, you can control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. Chicken shawarma can vary in flavor and preparation method across different regions in the Middle East and around the world, but these are the core components that make up this delicious and beloved dish. Enjoy this Middle Eastern classic and savor the flavors and nutrition it brings to your table.