This blog post is about Arabian Chicken Shawarma Recipe. Arabian Chicken Shawarma is a popular and flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken, traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices including garlic, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and paprika, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a favorite street food and a popular choice in Middle Eastern restaurants around the world.
Let’s start the delicious recipe of Arabian Chicken Shawarma [step-by-step]
Arabian Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, small pieces
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika (Deshi Mirch)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
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For the Garlic Sauce (Touma):
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Pickles
- Sliced red onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack in a single layer.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. You can also grill the chicken on a barbecue or in a grill pan for added flavor.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce (Touma):
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assembling the Shawarma:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads.
- Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on each piece of bread.
- Add sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, red onions, and chopped parsley.
- Roll up the bread to enclose the filling.
Enjoy your homemade Arabian Chicken Shawarma!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. You can also cook the chicken in advance and reheat it before serving.
What sauces go well with chicken shawarma?
Traditional sauces include garlic sauce (toum) and tahini sauce. You can also use yogurt-based sauces or hummus for a different flavor.
Can I cook the chicken on a grill?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. Make sure to preheat the grill and cook the chicken evenly on both sides until fully cooked.
What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
Shawarma is typically served with pita bread or flatbread, along with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. You can also serve it with rice or salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken shawarma itself is gluten-free, but you need to use gluten-free bread or serve it with rice or salad to keep the meal entirely gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili peppers to the marinade to increase the spice level according to your preference.
What type of pickles should I use?
Traditional Middle Eastern pickles like pickled cucumbers or turnips are ideal, but you can use any pickles you prefer or have on hand.