When it comes to shawarma chicken, you've got options that can transform your meals. You might start with the classic recipe, where marinated chicken meets fresh veggies in a pita, or perhaps opt for something bolder, like spicy garlic shawarma chicken. If you're looking for a wholesome alternative, the Mediterranean chicken shawarma bowl might catch your interest. Each recipe offers a unique twist, but it's the final dish that could surprise you the most. Curious about what that could be? Let's investigate these five exceptional recipes further.
Classic Chicken Shawarma
Classic Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that features marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce. The key to achieving authentic flavors lies in the marinade, which combines a variety of spices, garlic, and yogurt to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a rich taste.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, for garnish
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce, for drizzling
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they're well coated, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side on the grill, or 25-30 minutes if baking in the oven, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful shawarma, consider marinating the chicken overnight to allow the spices to penetrate deeply.
If you don't have access to a grill, baking or pan-searing the chicken works just as well. Serve with a variety of toppings like pickles, lettuce, or your favorite sauces to customize each wrap to your liking.
Additionally, if you have leftovers, the sliced chicken is fantastic in salads, wraps, or as a topping on rice bowls. Enjoy your homemade shawarma experience!
Spicy Garlic Shawarma Chicken
Spicy Garlic Shawarma Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that brings the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken with a spicy garlic marinade, allowing the meat to soak up all the robust flavors. Perfect for serving in pita wraps, salads, or on its own with a side of rice, this shawarma chicken will impress your family and friends with its zesty taste and succulent texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they're well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For an authentic touch, serve your Spicy Garlic Shawarma Chicken with homemade garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
You can also add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers in your pita wraps for added crunch.
If you prefer a more caramelized flavor, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes instead of grilling.
Adjust the spice levels to your liking, and feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon or allspice for a unique twist.
Enjoy!
Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Creating a Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of the Middle East while keeping your meal fresh and healthy. This bowl is packed with marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Let's explore the ingredients and instructions to bring this tasty dish to life.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water, as needed for tahini sauce
- Pita bread (optional)
Instructions:
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, shawarma spice blend, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Meanwhile, prepare your bowl by layering the cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom, followed by the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red cabbage, red onion, and parsley.
Drizzle the tahini sauce, made by mixing tahini with lemon juice and enough water to achieve a pourable consistency, over the top. Serve with pita bread if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even more authentic flavor, consider making your own shawarma spice blend by combining cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice.
You can also customize the bowl by adding or substituting other vegetables like bell peppers or roasted eggplant.
If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can enhance the dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowl!
Shawarma Chicken Wrap With Tahini
Shawarma Chicken Wrap with Tahini is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. This wrap features marinated chicken that's grilled to perfection, served with fresh vegetables and a creamy tahini sauce, all wrapped in a soft flatbread. It's perfect as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, and it's sure to please everyone at the table.
Let's explore the ingredients and steps needed to create this delicious wrap.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Once marinated, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
To assemble the wraps, lay flatbreads on a clean surface, add a generous portion of grilled chicken, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley before wrapping tightly.
Extra Tips:
For a more authentic flavor, consider adding a pinch of sumac or za'atar to the chicken marinade. You can also substitute the tahini sauce with garlic sauce or yogurt if you prefer a different taste.
To improve the freshness, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes. If you're making these wraps for a crowd, you can prepare all the components in advance and allow guests to assemble their own, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Enjoy your Shawarma Chicken Wrap!
Grilled Shawarma Chicken Skewers
Grilled Shawarma Chicken Skewers are a delightful and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, these skewers are perfect for grilling, making them ideal for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. The combination of spices not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with aromatic flavors, making each bite unforgettable.
Serve these skewers with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl, making certain they're well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Extra Tips:
For an even more authentic flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers as this can lead to uneven cooking. To achieve the best results, allow the chicken to marinate longer, as this will improve the flavors.
Finally, check the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Pair these skewers with a rejuvenating cucumber yogurt dip or a simple salad for a delicious, well-rounded meal.