Here’s a simple and authentic recipe to make Chicken Shawarma right at home! This Middle Eastern dish is known for its bold flavors, tender marinated meat, and delicious sauces. We’ll be using the stovetop or grill to make the chicken and assembling it with pita or flatbread and classic toppings.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 4-5 pita breads or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables: sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, shredded lettuce
- Pickles (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
- Stovetop: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Adjust garlic and salt to taste.
Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbread on a skillet or in the oven for a few minutes.
- Spread a spoonful of garlic sauce on the bread. Add a handful of sliced chicken, then top with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Drizzle with extra garlic sauce and wrap it up tightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade chicken shawarma is ready to serve! Enjoy it with additional sauces or sides like hummus, tahini, or tabbouleh.
Tips for Perfect Shawarma:
- Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either cut works!
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add a bit of cayenne or chili flakes for some heat if desired.
Enjoy your tasty, homemade chicken shawarma! This versatile dish can be customized with your favorite toppings and sauces for a flavorful meal.
