Elevate your saturday night with saturday kitchen’s easy chicken shawarma
What To Know
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, simply assemble the shawarma and heat it in the oven or microwave.
Indulge in the exotic flavors of the Middle East with our delectable chicken shawarma recipe, inspired by the renowned Saturday Kitchen show. This dish promises a tantalizing fusion of aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables. Embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Gathering the Ingredients
To recreate this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp shawarma spice blend
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander
- 6 small flatbreads or tortillas
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup hummus
Preparing the Chicken
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breast to the bowl and coat it evenly with the marinade.
4. Place the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
Assembling the Shawarma
1. While the chicken is roasting, prepare the vegetables.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Warm the flatbreads or tortillas in the oven or microwave.
4. Spread a layer of tahini sauce and hummus on each flatbread.
5. Arrange the sliced chicken, red onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, and coriander on top of the sauce.
6. Roll up the flatbreads or tortillas tightly and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Shawarma
- For a more authentic flavor, use homemade shawarma spice blend. You can find recipes online or in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
- If you don’t have flatbreads or tortillas, you can use pita bread or even rice.
- To make your shawarma extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese.
Spice Up Your Life: Variations on the Shawarma
- Lamb Shawarma: Use boneless, skinless lamb leg instead of chicken.
- Beef Shawarma: Use boneless, skinless beef sirloin instead of chicken.
- Chicken Tikka Shawarma: Marinate the chicken in a tikka masala marinade before roasting.
- Falafel Shawarma: Replace the chicken with falafel balls.
- Vegetable Shawarma: Omit the chicken and use a variety of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
The Secret to the Perfect Tahini Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or tahini as needed.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the shawarma and heat it in the oven or microwave.
Q: What is a good substitute for shawarma spice blend?
A: If you don’t have shawarma spice blend, you can use a combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and roasting.
