How to Make Chicken Shawarma - Step-by-Step Recipe

How to Make Chicken Shawarma: An Authentic Middle Eastern Recipe

Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food, known for its tender, marinated chicken wrapped in pita bread and served with a variety of flavorful toppings and sauces. The chicken is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but you can easily make a delicious version at home using your oven or grill. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Chicken Shawarma, from preparing the marinade to serving it with all the classic sides. You’ll also learn tips to ensure your shawarma is bursting with flavor, just like the street food vendors make it.

What is Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken Shawarma is a dish that originated in the Levant region, specifically in Turkey and the Middle East. The word "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word "çevirme," meaning turning, referring to the way meat is traditionally cooked on a rotating spit. Over the years, Chicken Shawarma has become a popular dish worldwide, known for its flavorful, marinated chicken that is cooked until crispy on the outside but juicy and tender inside. It is typically served wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a tangy garlic sauce.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma

To make authentic Chicken Shawarma at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients for the marinade, as well as the toppings and sides:

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• Salt to taste
• Pita bread or flatbread for serving
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
• Pickled turnips or pickles
• Garlic sauce or tahini sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

The key to a delicious Chicken Shawarma is in the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The yogurt and olive oil help tenderize the chicken, while the spices infuse it with the classic shawarma flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you’re short on time, try to marinate it for at least 1-2 hours to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, you have two options for cooking it—either on a grill or in the oven:

Grill Method:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it directly on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char on the outside. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the chicken, which is traditional for shawarma.

Oven Method:

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. The resting time helps lock in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken against the grain into thin pieces, similar to how traditional shawarma is shaved off the rotisserie.

Step 5: Prepare the Toppings and Sauces

While the chicken is resting, prepare the toppings for your shawarma wraps. Slice fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, and arrange them along with pickled turnips or pickles. You’ll also need a delicious sauce to complete your shawarma. Garlic sauce (also known as toum) or tahini sauce are popular choices. Both sauces add a tangy, creamy element that complements the spicy chicken.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken Shawarma

Now it’s time to assemble your shawarma wraps. Take a piece of pita bread or flatbread and spread a generous amount of garlic sauce or tahini sauce on it. Add a layer of fresh vegetables and pickles, then top with the sliced chicken. Roll up the shawarma tightly and wrap it in foil if needed to hold everything together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Chicken Shawarma is ready to be served! Shawarma is best enjoyed fresh and hot, with the flavors of the marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy sauce blending perfectly together. Serve your shawarma with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a small bowl of garlic sauce for extra dipping.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Shawarma

• Marinate the chicken for as long as possible: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier when cooked, making them a great choice for shawarma.
• Grill for authentic flavor: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky, charred flavor that is reminiscent of the street food version of shawarma.
• Customize the toppings: Feel free to add or omit toppings based on your preference. Hummus, shredded cabbage, or even feta cheese can add different flavors and textures to your shawarma wrap.
• Make extra sauce: The garlic or tahini sauce is a key component of shawarma. Consider making extra so you can use it for dipping or adding to other dishes.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can easily recreate the authentic taste of shawarma in your own kitchen. Whether you grill or bake the chicken, the flavorful marinade, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauces come together to make a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Chicken Shawarma is a dish that will impress everyone. Enjoy your shawarma with a side of fries or a salad, and savor the flavors!