Chicken Shawarma
2 July, 2024
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Chicken shawarma
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with thinly sliced marinated chicken that is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garlic, along with other herbs and flavorings like lemon juice and yogurt. As the rotisserie turns, the chicken cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the outside to become crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Toppings: sliced tomatoes cucumbers, onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, etc.
- Sauce: tahini sauce garlic sauce, hummus, or yogurt sauce
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbread in the oven or on the grill for a few seconds.
- Place a generous amount of cooked chicken slices on the center of each piece of bread.
- Add your desired toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lettuce, and pickles.
- Drizzle with your preferred sauce, such as tahini sauce, garlic sauce, hummus, or yogurt sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Fold or roll up the bread to enclose the filling and serve immediately.
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