Chicken Shawarma Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the streets of the Middle East? Look no further than this mouthwatering chicken shawarma recipe

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Keyword Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma Recipe, Shawarma

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings People

Calories 528kcal

Equipment

1 Cast Iron Skillet
1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

2 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Lemon juice
4 cloves Garlic minced
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Ground paprika
1 tsp Ground coriander
½ tsp Ground turmeric
¼ tsp Ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in achieving the mouthwatering flavors of chicken shawarma. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
Next, add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with incredible flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and succulent shawarma.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Shawarma

Traditionally, shawarma was cooked on a vertical spit, slowly rotating and roasting the meat. While this method may not be accessible to everyone, there are alternative cooking methods that can yield equally delicious results.
One popular method is to cook the marinated chicken on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet or oven. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will help to retain the juices and ensure a tender and flavorful outcome.

Notes

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Taste

To achieve the perfect texture and taste for your chicken shawarma, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts, making them the ideal choice for shawarma.
Marinate for at least 2 hours: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavors will be.
Don't overcrowd the grill or skillet: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces to allow for even cooking.
Let the chicken rest before slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking will result in juicier meat.
Adjust the spices to your taste: Feel free to experiment with the spice quantities to suit your preference.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create chicken shawarma that is bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of textures.

Nutrition