Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers juicy, marinated chicken strips infused with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect as a flavorful main dish wrapped in pita or served with fresh vegetables and salad, it offers an authentic Middle Eastern taste that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; marinating overnight enhances the flavor greatly.
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and to encourage nice browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken strips on the grill or pan. Cook each side for approximately 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Confirm doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the garlic and salt to your taste preference for a bold or subtle sauce.
- Rest and Slice: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
- Serve: Serve the chicken shawarma slices drizzled generously with the garlic sauce. Enjoy it wrapped in pita bread or plated with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper and more complex flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce according to your preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Chicken thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Serve with pickled turnips or fresh salads to add traditional Middle Eastern accompaniments.
