Shawarma stands strong in the charts of the most delicious yet simple dishes in the world. This Middle Eastern street food does not require complex ingredients or methods, yet the output is the rich taste and perfectly complementing textures that elate anyone who experiences it, especially for the first time. People can easily cook chicken shawarma at home.
Even in the preparatory stages, the aroma fills the neighborhood, eliciting curiosity among people and and leading them towards your crib. What a fun way to find connections! This article is going to give you the best chicken shawarma recipe that you can even use to make chicken shawarma on the run.
Origins of the Shawarma
The roots of Shawarma date back to the Ottoman Empire, where the word itself originated from the Turkish term ‘çevirme’ that literally translates to ‘turning’. Originally, the dish was prepared by marinating the thinly cut slices of meat, then stacking it in an inverted cone, then roasted on a slow turning vertical spit.
However, this dish is a common street food in the Middle East, which is why it is also referred to as the Middle Eastern/Lebanese Shawarma.
Cook Chicken Shawarma at Home:
The traditional Chicken Shawarma Recipe ingredients include;
1 kg Chicken thigh fillets
Marinade
- 3 tsp Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp Cardamom (ground/powdered)
- 1 tbsp Coriander (ground/powdered)
- 1 tsp Cayenne powder
- 2 tsp smoked Paprika (flakes/powder)
- 1 tbsp Cumin (ground/powdered)
- 1 large/ 2 small Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
Step 1: Put these ingredients in a plastic bag, and mix well. Place the chicken thigh fillets in the marinade, and make sure the chicken is covered properly. Leave it for 12 hours.
You can either use the whole pieces of cut the thighs into thin slices according to your preference.
The Shawarma Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1 clove Garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp Cumin
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Step2: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Shawarma sauce by combining all the Shawarma sauce ingredients.
Step 3: Preheat the grill of pan with 1 tablespoon of oil and place the marinated chicken into the preheated pan or grill and cook each side until the caramelization appears.
Step 4: Once, the chicken is done, transfer in a dish and cover it with an aluminum foil for 5 minutes.
For Serving
- 4 – 5 flatbreads
- Sliced lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion , finely sliced
- Cheese , shredded (optional)
- Hot sauce of choice (optional)
Step 5: Spread evenly and generously the Shawarma sauce on the flatbread of your choice. Cut the Chicken in to bite sized pieces. Place lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and finally the Chicken Shawarma on top. Wrap the flatbread by using butter paper, so that everything stays in place. You can serve whole, or cut the wrapped Chicken Shawarma in half. Either way, enjoy!
Final Thoughts
By using the above-mentioned recipe, your Chicken Shawarma calories would be around 275 calories.
The best Chicken Shawarma recipe revolves around the Shawarma technique that puts together the succulent chicken that can be eaten in different ways. By using this recipe, you can easily enjoy shawarma at home.
You can mix it with greens like cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to make a Shawarma bowl, or eat it as it is. The flavor in the Shawarma itself is enough to satisfy your taste buds.
FAQs | How to Make Shawarma at Home
How is a Shawarma made?
A Shawarma is made using the Shawarma technique to roasting thinly sliced meat of choice on a slow turning vertical spit/rotisserie. It can be made on a grill or pan as well.
What is Shawarma mix made of?
The Shawarma mix or the Shawarma marinade is made of all spices: ground cumin, cardamom, paprika,
cayenne, and minced garlic mixed with lemon and olive oil.
What is Shawarma sauce made of?
The Shawarma sauce can be made with yoghurt of Tahini.
Can you make Shawarma without a machine?
Of course! You don’t need any complex tools or machines to make the supreme Shawarma at home. All you need is a grill or a pan and the right technique.
