Shawarma Chicken
Shawarma Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table. This recipe transforms juicy, marinated chicken thighs into savory delights, infusing them with garlic, spices, and a squeeze of lemon. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken with a smoky, spiced exterior—perfect for wrapping in warm pita or serving alongside a colorful salad. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful way to create a memorable meal with family and friends. You can easily prepare this recipe at home, making it a practical choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Making Shawarma Chicken is worth every moment. The step-by-step process allows even novice cooks to master this flavorful dish. You’ll love how the marinade tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor profile, making it a favorite at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best aspects of Shawarma Chicken is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is as accessible as it is delicious. Families will appreciate how easily it can be adapted to different tastes—whether you prefer it grilled or baked. Additionally, it can serve as a quick weeknight meal or a festive dish for a gathering, making it versatile for all occasions.
The ingredient list is straightforward, ensuring you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. This dish proves that a few quality ingredients can come together to make a truly delightful meal.
Ingredients for Shawarma Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken thighs: Moist and tender.
- 1 cup plain yogurt: Creamy richness that invokes traditional flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Healthful fat for marinating.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic boosting flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Earthy and warm, perfect for depth.
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika: Adds color and mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Bright and citrusy undertones.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Golden hue with health benefits.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sweet warmth that enlivens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh, zesty notes to brighten the flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions for Shawarma Chicken
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—overnight for optimal flavor development.
Preheat the Oven or Grill: If you’re baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, prepare the grill for medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: For baking, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. For grilling, cook on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until juicy and fully cooked through.
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing it into strips.
Serve: Plate the Shawarma Chicken with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or any sides of your choice.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Try to let it sit overnight.
- Grilling vs. Baking: Both methods yield delicious results; grilling gives a smoky flavor while baking offers convenience.
- Add Spices: Feel free to customize the spices based on your preferences. A pinch of cayenne can add heat, while more yogurt can create a creamier marinade.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate your dish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a full meal experience, serve your Shawarma Chicken with a classic tabbouleh salad, creamy hummus, or tzatziki sauce. Pair it with pita bread, or use it as a filling for wraps. Sliced vegetables and pickles can provide refreshing crunches to complement the spiced chicken. Try it with fragrant rice or couscous for a hearty option.
Nutritional Information
An average serving of Shawarma Chicken contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the exact quantities used. The dish is packed with protein from the chicken and contains healthy fats from the olive oil, making it a nutritious option for a balanced meal.
Storing Tips & Variations for Shawarma Chicken
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken thighs before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
- Reheating: To maintain moisture, reheat cooked chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Healthier Swaps: Use skinless chicken breast for a leaner option and low-fat yogurt for a lighter marinade.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with different spices or add some diced vegetables to the grill for a fully integrated meal.
Conclusion for Shawarma Chicken
Now that you know how to create luscious Shawarma Chicken, it’s time to bring this delightful dish into your kitchen. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a must-try. Grab your ingredients, follow the step-by-step process, and start impressing your family and friends today!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but the cooking time may be shorter since it tends to dry out faster than thighs.How long can I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, marinate for 1 hour, but for even better flavor, you can marinate it overnight.What should I serve with Shawarma Chicken?
It pairs well with pita bread, salads, hummus, or rice dishes for a complete meal.Can I make Shawarma Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated and stored in the fridge or frozen up to two months before cooking.Is Shawarma Chicken spicy?
The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the spice levels based on your preference by adding more spices like cayenne pepper.
Shawarma Chicken
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Transform juicy chicken thighs into flavorful shawarma infused with garlic, spices, and lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—overnight for optimal flavor development.
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, prepare the grill for medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: For baking, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes. For grilling, cook on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices, then slice it into strips.
- Serve: Plate the Shawarma Chicken with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or any preferred sides.
Notes
The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Grilling gives a smoky flavor while baking is more convenient.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
