Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)

Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)

Recipe video above. The smell when this is cooking is outrageous! The marinade is very quick to prepare and the chicken can be frozen in the marinade, then defrosted prior to cooking. Best cooked on the outdoor grill / BBQ, but I usually make it on the stove. Serve with Yogurt Sauce (provided) or the Tahini sauce in this recipe. Add a simple salad and flatbread laid out on a large platter, then let everyone make their own wraps!

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken thigh fillets)

    , skinless and boneless (note 3

    1 kg
  • garlic clove)

    , minced (or 2 small cloves

    1 large
  • ground coriander
    1 tbsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tbsp
  • ground cardamon
    1 tbsp
  • ground cayenne pepper)

    (reduce to 1/2 tsp to make it not spicy

    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    2 tsp
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • black pepper
  • lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • olive oil
    3 tbsp
  • greek yoghurt
    1 c
  • garlic

    , crushed

    1 clove
  • cumin
    1 tsp
  • squeeze of lemon juice
  • salt and pepper
  • flatbreads)

    (lebanese or pita bread orhomemade soft flatbreads

    4
  • sliced lettuce)

    (cos or iceberg

  • tomato slices
  • red onion

    , finely sliced

  • cheese)

    , shredded (optional

  • hot sauce of choice)

    (optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Marinade chicken - Combine the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken, seal, the massage from the outside with your hands to make sure each piece is coated. Marinate 24 hours (minimum 3 hours).

  2. 2

    Yogurt Sauce - Combine the Yogurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required (it will last for 3 days in the fridge).

  3. 3

    Preheat stove or BBQ - Heat a large non-stick skillet with 1 tablespoon over medium high heat, or lightly brush a BBQ hotplate/grills with oil and heat to medium high. (See notes for baking)

  4. 4

    Cook chicken - Place chicken in the skillet or on the grill and cook the first side for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely charred. Turn and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes (the 2nd side takes less time).

  5. 5

    Rest - Remove chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.

To serve

  1. 1

    Slice chicken and pile onto platter alongside flatbreads, Salad and the Yoghurt Sauce (or dairy free Tahini sauce from this recipe).

  2. 2

    To make a wrap, get a piece of flatbread and smear with Yoghurt Sauce. Top with a bit of lettuce and tomato and Chicken Shawarma. Roll up and enjoy!

Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)

Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)

275 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of that incredible aroma of authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma filling your kitchen? This recipe delivers that magic with ease, allowing you to create restaurant-quality flavors at home without a trip to the takeout counter. Get ready for an outrageous smell and an even better taste!

The secret to its depth lies in a quick-to-prepare marinade, brimming with aromatic spices like ground coriander, cumin, and cardamom. This blend infuses the chicken deeply, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor, whether cooked on the outdoor grill for that perfect char or conveniently on your stovetop.

Prepare for a feast of tender chicken, richly spiced and incredibly juicy. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of earthy cumin, bright lemon, and a hint of warmth from cayenne pepper, customizable to your preference. This experience is designed for sharing, with everyone building their own perfect wrap using fresh, crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy sauce. You'll love how easy it is to bring such vibrant flavors to your table.

Customizing Your Shawarma

Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat, making it perfect for every palate – a half teaspoon will provide a mild warmth. Enhance your wraps with shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce if you like an extra kick. For the flatbreads, Lebanese or pita bread work wonderfully, or you can opt for homemade soft flatbreads to complete your platter.

This Chicken Shawarma is perfect for a lively family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Simply lay out the flavorful chicken, fresh accompaniments like sliced lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion, and the creamy Yogurt Sauce on a large platter, letting everyone create their own personalized wraps.

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