why make this recipe
Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic dish to make because it brings the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe allows you to enjoy the savory and spicy taste of shawarma without needing to visit a restaurant. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you can find easily. Making your shawarma at home ensures you can customize it to your liking, whether you prefer extra garlic sauce or more fresh veggies.
how to make Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients :
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
- Lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for topping
- Creamy garlic sauce for drizzling
Directions :
- In a bowl, combine garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and browned.
- Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Serve in pita bread with toppings of your choice and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
how to serve Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Serve the chicken shawarma in warm pita bread or flatbreads. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. Don’t forget to drizzle on some creamy garlic sauce for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party spread. Everyone will love the taste!
how to store Homemade Chicken Shawarma
To store leftover chicken shawarma, place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the grill or skillet.
tips to make Homemade Chicken Shawarma
- Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor.
- Experiment with the spices to find your favorite combination.
- Make sure your grill or skillet is hot before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
- For a healthier version, you can grill vegetables alongside the chicken.
variation
You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, try adding different toppings like pickles or olives to change the flavor profile. Some people enjoy using a different sauce, such as tahini, instead of garlic sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other meats for shawarma?
Yes, you can use beef, lamb, or turkey instead of chicken for different flavors.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for long?
While marinating for at least an hour is good, longer marination, like overnight, gives even better flavor.
Can I make shawarma in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and browned.
- Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Serve in pita bread with toppings of your choice and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.