Description
Irresistible chicken shawarma combines Middle Eastern spices and tender meat for a delightful culinary experience. Garlic sauce and warm pita bread complete this flavorful dish that satisfies hunger and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma:
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 6 large cloves garlic, grated
Garlic White Sauce:
Dairy Base:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon za’atar spice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the chicken thighs with shawarma marinade ingredients in a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking, permitting temperature equalization.
- For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Position chicken pieces, ensuring consistent placement. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden edges develop and meat releases naturally from grates.
- Rotate chicken pieces, continuing cooking for additional 8-10 minutes. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F using meat thermometer for safe consumption.
- Alternative cooking method involves using cast iron skillet. Heat pan over medium-high temperature. Place chicken, allowing caramelization for 8-10 minutes on initial side.
- Flip chicken, cook additional 5-7 minutes until exterior turns crispy and internal temperature indicates doneness. Manage cooking in batches if pan space limits.
- Oven technique requires preheating to 425°F. Arrange chicken on baking sheet, roast for 25 minutes, turning midway through cooking process.
- Activate broiler, position chicken underneath for 5 minutes, creating charred exterior and enhanced flavor profile.
- Prepare garlic white sauce by whisking ingredients in small mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Transfer cooked chicken to serving platter, accompany with prepared garlic sauce for dipping and enhancing overall dining experience.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in spices for maximum flavor absorption, with longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) delivering deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Temperature Matters: Allowing marinated chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking ensures even heat distribution and prevents tough, unevenly cooked meat.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Grill, pan-sear, or bake depending on available equipment, each method producing deliciously caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken thighs for tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, use gluten-free spices for sensitive diets, and replace dairy in sauce with coconut yogurt for vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg