Description
Succulent Middle Eastern chicken shawarma delivers explosive Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Marinated spices and tender meat create a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 500 g (1.1 pounds) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Serving Components:
- Pita bread or wraps
- Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce
Instructions
- Create a robust marinade by blending olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic, and an aromatic blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage and allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, creating ideal conditions for even cooking and caramelization.
- Transfer marinated chicken to heated surface, grilling for 6-7 minutes per side, watching for deep golden-brown char and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Carefully slice grilled chicken into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife.
- Assemble shawarma by nestling sliced chicken inside warm pita bread or soft wraps.
- Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh crisp vegetables and generously drizzling with tangy tahini or creamy garlic sauce.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly during grilling.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace pita bread with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice to maintain low-carb profile.
- Test chicken’s doneness with meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg