why make this recipe
Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a delicious and flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. It brings the taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. Plus, making it yourself allows you to customize the spices and toppings to your liking. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
how to make Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread
- Vegetables for serving (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)
- Yogurt or tahini sauce for drizzling
Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve in pita bread with your choice of vegetables and sauce.
how to serve Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Serve your Homemade Chicken Shawarma warm, wrapped in pita bread. You can add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for extra crunch. Drizzle with yogurt or tahini sauce for added flavor. You can also create a platter with some sides like hummus and tabbouleh.
how to store Homemade Chicken Shawarma
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can keep the cooked chicken separate from the vegetables and sauces to maintain freshness.
tips to make Homemade Chicken Shawarma
- For more flavor, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Experiment with different spices if you want to try a new flavor profile.
variation
You can try using lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different twist on the classic shawarma. Also, feel free to switch up the toppings and sauces based on your preferences!
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great for this recipe and will keep the meat tender and juicy.
2. What type of sauce is best for chicken shawarma?
Yogurt sauce and tahini sauce are both popular options. You can also try garlic sauce or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will give it a nice smoky flavor and char that enhances the taste of the shawarma. Just make sure your grill is preheated.
Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, sliced Boneless skinless thighs work great for tenderness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Ingredients
- Pita bread
- Vegetables for serving (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)
- Yogurt or tahini sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Marination
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve in pita bread with your choice of vegetables and sauce.