Effortless delight: master the easiest chicken shawarma recipe for a savory home-cooked meal
What To Know
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Warm the pita bread or tortillas on a griddle or in the microwave.
- To make the shawarma more spicy, add more shawarma spice blend to the marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before grilling.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with the easiest chicken shawarma recipe ever! This mouthwatering dish, typically served with pita bread, hummus, and pickles, is now within your reach with our foolproof guide. Get ready to impress your taste buds and become a shawarma master in no time!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shawarma:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
- Pita bread or tortillas for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Grill or pan-fry the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Shawarma
Warm the pita bread or tortillas on a griddle or in the microwave. Spread a layer of tahini sauce on the bread, then top with the sliced chicken, sautéed vegetables, parsley, and cilantro.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Roll up the shawarma and savor the burst of Middle Eastern flavors. Serve with additional tahini sauce, hummus, and pickles, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Shawarma
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the shawarma.
- Marinate the chicken overnight: This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful shawarma.
- Slice the chicken thinly: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: The vegetables should be slightly tender but still retain some crunch.
- Experiment with different toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your shawarma, such as cucumbers, pickles, or onions.
Variations
- Beef Shawarma: Substitute the chicken breasts with thinly sliced beef for a more robust flavor.
- Lamb Shawarma: For a more traditional taste, use thinly sliced lamb shoulder.
- Vegetarian Shawarma: Omit the chicken and use grilled vegetables instead, such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
Health Benefits
Chicken shawarma is a relatively healthy meal, especially when made with lean chicken and whole-wheat pita bread. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Wrapping Up
With our easiest chicken shawarma recipe, you can now enjoy this delectable dish from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a taste of the Middle East, this recipe will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and let the flavors of shawarma tantalize your taste buds!
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I use pre-made shawarma spice blend?
Yes, you can use pre-made shawarma spice blend for convenience. However, if you have the time, making your own blend will give you more control over the flavors.
2. How can I make the shawarma more spicy?
To make the shawarma more spicy, add more shawarma spice blend to the marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before grilling.
3. What are some good side dishes to serve with shawarma?
Hummus, tahini sauce, pickles, and tabbouleh are all great side dishes to serve with shawarma.