Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Authentic Flavor at Home

Chicken Shawarma is a widely known and trusted Middle Eastern dish and one of the globally promoted dishes with its ravishing mouth-watering taste and aroma. The dish features marinated chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then sliced thin and wrapped in warm pita bread or served with rice and vegetables. If you are looking for a quick meal or something special to put on the table for dinner, Chicken Shawarma is the way to go. In this blog, we will explore its history, ingredients, and method of preparation, along with some tips to create chicken shawarma in our kitchen.

The History of Shawarma

The history of Shawarma is centuries old. It began at the time of the Ottoman dynasty and spread to the Middle East and Mediterranean. The cooking method stacks marinated meat (traditionally lamb or beef) on a vertical spit and slowly roasts it as it turns. But over the years, the chicken version became a hit, because of its lighter flavor and shorter cooking time. The delicious dish can be found all over the world now from the Middle East to Europe and North America, where it has become a popular street food.

Chicken Shawarma Ingredients

For the Marinade:

500g boneless chicken thigh or breast, sliced

3 tablespoons plain yogurt

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

to taste salt and black pepper

For Serving:

Pita bread or flatbread

Sliced onions and tomatoes

Chopped cucumbers

Fresh lettuce

Garlic sauce or tahini sauce

Pickles (optional)

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Add yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices in a big mixing bowl. Stir well, to make a thick marinade. Add in the raw chicken slices and make sure every slice is thoroughly covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight is even better for developing flavor.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

You can make Chicken Shawarma in several different ways depending on how you like it and what equipment you have.

Using a Grill:

Heat hits a medium-high grill. Skewer the marinated chicken, or lay it directly onto the grill. Fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping until well-cooked and slightly charred.

Using a Stovetop:

In a large pan or skillet, over medium-high heat: Drizzle in some oil and brown the chicken in batches 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Using an Oven:

RECIPE: An easy crispy thin-crust pizza Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken pieces on the sheet in a single layer. Flip 1/2 way through for even cooking, cook 25-30 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Shawarma Wrap

Once the chicken is done cooking, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then cut into thin strips. Heat the pita bread, then stuff it with some lettuce, sliced onions, tomatoes and cucumbers. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with garlic sauce or tahini sauce. Tightly roll up the wrap, and serve warm.

Chicken Shawarma: Tips for the Perfect Recipe

Marinate Longer: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, which is what you want for shawarma.

Slice Thin: For that true shawarma wrap texture, cut thin slices.

Char the Chicken: The charred edges render the signature smokiness.

Sauce on Top: A garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or yogurt-based sauce add flavorful touches.

Final Thoughts

So next you made my Chicken Shawarma which filled my kitchen with sizzling Middle-Eastern goodness. It’s an easy recipe that anyone can nail once they have the right ingredients and techniques, whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked. So why not try this homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe today and embark on a taste journey with its rich, spiced flavors!

Ever made Chicken Shawarma at home? Tell us in the comments below!