Chicken Shawarma recipe | How to Make Best Chicken Shawarma at Home Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken Shawarma

recipe | How to Make 

Best Chicken

Shawarma at Home 

Step-by-Step Guide

Try our mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma recipe that will make your taste buds dance. Tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, grilled to perfection and served with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. Discover the secrets to making the best Chicken Shawarma today!

What is Chicken shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is made by marinating chicken in a blend of aromatic spices, then roasting or grilling it on a spit until it is tender and juicy. The chicken is usually thinly sliced and served in a pita bread or wrap, along with vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, as well as a variety of sauces and condiments such as hummus, tahini, garlic sauce, or yogurt sauce.
Shawarma is a staple street food in many countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Egypt, and it has gained popularity around the world due to its delicious flavor and versatility. It can be served as a quick and satisfying meal on the go, or as a more substantial dish for a family dinner or gathering with friends. Chicken shawarma is often accompanied by other Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh, falafel, or baba ghanoush, making it a delicious and well-rounded meal.

History

The origins of chicken shawarma can be traced back to the Middle East, specifically to the Levant region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. While the exact history of the dish is not well documented, it is believed to have been influenced by the Turkish doner kebab and the Greek gyro, both of which feature meat that is cooked on a spit and served in a similar manner.
Traditionally, shawarma was made with lamb or beef, but as chicken became more widely available and affordable, it became a popular alternative. The dish quickly gained popularity across the Middle East and North Africa, and it is now a staple street food in many countries.
In recent years, chicken shawarma has also become popular in other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, as a result of increased immigration and globalization. Today, it is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and is available in a variety of different styles, ranging from traditional to modern fusion versions that incorporate flavors and ingredients from other cuisines.

How to make Chicken

Shawarma

Here is a recipe for making chicken shawarma at home:

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
4-6 pita breads or wraps
Assorted vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers)
Tzatziki sauce or other condiments

Instructions:

Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even pieces and place them in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
To serve, warm the pita breads or wraps in the oven or on the grill for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
Fill each pita or wrap with the chicken, assorted vegetables, and your choice of condiments. Tzatziki sauce is a popular choice, but you can also use hummus, tahini, garlic sauce, or hot sauce, depending on your preferences.
Roll up the pita or wrap tightly, slice it in half if desired, and enjoy!
This recipe makes 4-6 servings of chicken shawarma, depending on how much chicken and vegetables you use in each serving. It's a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and flavors.

Tips for Chicken Shawarma

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. Slice them into thin, even pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

Use a mixture of spices in your marinade, such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, for a delicious blend of flavors. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and lightly charred. Don't overcook the chicken or it will become dry and tough.

Warm the pita breads or wraps in the oven or on the grill before filling them with the chicken and vegetables. This will make them softer and easier to roll up.

Choose a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables to add to your chicken shawarma, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. You can also add pickles, olives, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.

Use a creamy, flavorful sauce to top off your chicken shawarma, such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, tahini, garlic sauce, or hot sauce. These condiments will add extra moisture and flavor to your dish.

Slice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces before serving. This will make it easier to eat and will ensure that each bite contains a balance of chicken and vegetables.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic chicken shawarma that will transport your taste buds to the streets of the Middle East. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts about 

Chicken Shawarma

The nutrition facts for chicken shawarma can vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size, but here is an approximate breakdown of the macronutrients in a typical chicken shawarma wrap (based on a 6-ounce serving size):
Calories: 400-500
Protein: 25-30 grams
Fat: 10-20 grams (depending on the amount of oil or sauce used)
Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams (mostly from the pita bread and vegetables)
Chicken shawarma is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting immune function and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. It also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body, as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables.
However, chicken shawarma can also be high in sodium, depending on the amount of salt used in the marinade and sauce. It's important to be mindful of your sodium intake and choose lower-sodium options when possible.

Additionally, the calorie and fat content of chicken shawarma can be high if it's prepared with a lot of oil or served with a high-fat sauce. To make it a healthier option, consider using lean chicken breast, using less oil in the marinade and cooking process, and opting for a lighter sauce or condiment like tzatziki or hummus instead of a creamy, high-fat sauce.

FAQs about Chicken

Shawarma

Is chicken shawarma healthy?

Chicken shawarma can be a healthy option if it's prepared with lean chicken breast, plenty of vegetables, and a low-fat sauce or condiment. However, it can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium if it's made with fatty cuts of meat, a lot of oil or sauce, and high-sodium ingredients.

What is the difference between

Chicken Shawarma and chicken 

gyro?

Chicken shawarma and chicken gyro are both Middle Eastern dishes that feature seasoned, sliced meat wrapped in a pita or flatbread with vegetables and sauce. The main difference between the two is the type of meat used: shawarma is typically made with marinated chicken, while gyro is made with seasoned, spit-roasted lamb or beef. Additionally, the spices and sauces used in each dish can vary depending on the region and the specific recipe.

How do you serve chicken 

shawarma?

Chicken shawarma is typically served wrapped in a pita bread or flatbread, along with fresh vegetables and a sauce or condiment. To serve, warm the pita bread in the oven or on the grill, then fill it with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and your preferred sauce or condiment. Roll up the pita bread tightly and serve immediately.

What sauces are typically served

with chicken shawarma?

There are many sauces and condiments that can be served with chicken shawarma, depending on your taste preferences and regional traditions. Some popular options include tzatziki sauce (a Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce), hummus (a chickpea and tahini dip), garlic sauce (a mayonnaise and garlic sauce), tahini sauce (a sesame seed paste and lemon juice sauce), and hot sauce (a spicy pepper sauce).

Can I use other types of meat 

instead of chicken for 

shawarma?

Yes, you can use other types of meat, such as beef, lamb, or turkey, instead of chicken for shawarma. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and marinating time may vary depending on the type of meat you use. Beef and lamb may take longer to cook than chicken, while turkey may require less marinating time.

What are some common 

toppings for chicken shawarma?

Some common toppings for chicken shawarma include lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, pickles, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. You can also add other vegetables or toppings, such as bell peppers, avocado, or hot peppers, depending on your taste preferences.

Is chicken shawarma spicy?

Chicken shawarma can be spicy or mild, depending on the spices and sauces used in the recipe. Some recipes use a blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, to add flavor to the chicken without making it spicy. Other recipes may include hot peppers or hot sauce to add heat to the dish.

Can I make chicken shawarma

without a grill or oven?

Yes, you can make chicken shawarma without a grill or oven by using a stovetop grill pan or skillet. Simply heat the grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken and cook it for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread with vegetables and sauce.

Is chicken shawarma a 

keto-friendly dish?

Chicken shawarma can be made keto-friendly by using a low-carb wrap or serving the chicken and vegetables over a bed of lettuce instead of pita bread. You can also use a keto-friendly sauce or condiment, such as tahini or ranch dressing. Keep in mind that the nutritional information and calorie count of your shawarma will vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation method you use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is made with marinated chicken, grilled or roasted to perfection, and served in a warm pita bread or flatbread with fresh vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments. This dish has a rich history and has become a popular street food in many parts of the world. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can easily make chicken shawarma at home and enjoy it with your family and friends.

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