Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe You Can Try at Home

Making chicken shawarma at home is simple. You only need some basic ingredients, a few spices, and time to marinate the chicken. This recipe includes the full steps, the homemade sauce, and toppings to make a delicious shawarma wrap.

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

- 1 kg boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced thin

- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon ground paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Juice of 1 lemon

For the garlic sauce:

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Salt to taste

For the shawarma wrap:

- Pita bread or flatbread

- Sliced cucumbers

- Chopped tomatoes

- Sliced red onions

- Chopped fresh parsley or lettuce

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, garlic, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken. Mix well to coat all pieces. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is better).

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large pan or grill over medium heat. Add a little oil. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix yogurt or mayonnaise, tahini (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble the shawarma: Warm the pita bread. Spread some garlic sauce on it. Add sliced chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley or lettuce. Drizzle more sauce on top.

5. Serve: Roll or fold the bread and enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma.

Making chicken shawarma at home is fun and easy. Here are some useful tips to help you get the best results:

1. Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay moist and juicy during cooking. They have more fat than chicken breasts, which adds rich flavor and keeps the meat from drying out in the pan or grill.

2. Marinate longer: Letting the chicken marinate overnight allows the spices and yogurt to soak deeply into the meat. This gives the shawarma a stronger flavor and makes the chicken extra tender and tasty.

3. Cook on high heat: Using high heat helps create a nice char on the outside of the chicken. This makes the meat crispy at the edges while staying soft and juicy inside, just like real shawarma.

4. Add pickles: Pickled cucumbers or turnips add a tangy and crunchy element. They balance the richness of the chicken and sauce, giving your shawarma wrap a bold and satisfying taste.

5. Use a cast iron pan or grill: Cast iron holds heat well and helps brown the meat evenly. Grilling the chicken also adds a smoky flavor, which makes your shawarma taste more like the traditional version.

6. Try different sauces: Garlic yogurt sauce is classic, but you can also add hummus or a spicy chili sauce. These give your shawarma wrap new flavors and let you adjust the spice level to your liking.

7. Toast the bread: Warming or toasting the pita or flatbread before wrapping improves its texture. It makes the bread soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, making it easier to roll and eat.

To make your meal complete, serve chicken shawarma with tasty side dishes. These sides are easy to make and go perfectly with shawarma:

1. Hummus: Creamy and smooth, hummus is a great dip or spread. It is made from blended chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It offers a rich and nutty taste.

2. Tabbouleh: A fresh salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur. It has a light lemon dressing that adds a zesty kick, making it a refreshing contrast to the spiced chicken.

3. Falafel: Crispy chickpea balls that add protein and crunch. They are seasoned with herbs and spices and fried to golden perfection. This makes them a great meat-free option.

4. French fries: A popular side served in many shawarma shops. The crispy and salty fries pair surprisingly well with the soft bread and juicy chicken.

5. Rice pilaf: Flavored rice is a filling and tasty side. It often includes onions, spices, or small noodles. It also helps soak up the extra sauces from the shawarma.

6. Grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant go well with the spices. The smoky flavor of the grilled veggies matches nicely with the marinated chicken.

7. Fattoush salad: A crunchy salad with toasted pita pieces and fresh herbs. It is usually dressed with lemon and sumac, giving it a tangy and slightly sour flavor that balances the meal.

With this chicken shawarma recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful meal anytime at home. Follow the steps, use fresh ingredients, and enjoy the taste of the Middle East on your plate.