If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern dish, look no further than chicken shawarma. This flavorful dish is made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and spices, all wrapped up in a pita or flatbread. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make chicken shawarma at home, step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the chicken shawarma, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
You will also need the following vegetables:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For serving, you will need:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Tzatziki sauce or hummus
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
3. Spread the marinated chicken strips out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly crispy.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables by slicing them thinly and setting them aside.
5. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. To assemble the shawarma, warm the pita or flatbread in the oven or on a grill. Spread a spoonful of tzatziki sauce or hummus on the bread, then top with the cooked chicken and sliced vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
7. Roll up the bread tightly around the filling, then slice in half and serve immediately.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your chicken shawarma recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture
- Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, or pickled onions
- Drizzle with a spicy sauce, such as sriracha or harissa, for extra heat
Conclusion
Making chicken shawarma at home is a simple and delicious way to bring Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some prep time, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
