Unveiling the secrets: the most authentic chicken shawarma recipe traditional

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with our traditional chicken shawarma recipe. This delectable dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a warm and fluffy pita bread. Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate this iconic street food in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tahini paste
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well to coat.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

2. Roast the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
• Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

• In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the parsley and cilantro and cook for another minute.

4. Make the Tahini Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, water, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Adjust the consistency with additional water if needed.

5. Assemble the Shawarma

• Warm the pita bread in the oven or microwave.
• Spread a layer of tahini sauce on the pita bread.
• Top with the chicken strips, vegetables, and any other desired toppings, such as hummus, pickles, or tomatoes.
• Roll up the pita bread and enjoy!

Tips

• For a more flavorful shawarma, use a whole chicken with the skin on.
• Marinate the chicken for as long as possible to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• If you don’t have a rotisserie, you can roast the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 60-75 minutes.
• Serve the shawarma with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tahini, hummus, or tzatziki.

Variations

• Beef Shawarma: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef.
• Lamb Shawarma: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced lamb.
• Vegetarian Shawarma: Omit the chicken and add additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the shawarma with a side of rice, fries, or salad.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as tahini, hummus, or tzatziki.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a traditional chicken shawarma is a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. By following our step-by-step guide and experimenting with different variations, you can create a dish that is both authentic and delicious. Share your culinary creations with friends and family, and savor the flavors of the Middle East in the comfort of your own home.

FAQ

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 warm the pita bread and assemble the shawarma.

Q: How long can I store the shawarma?
A: The shawarma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What is the best way to reheat the shawarma?
A: The shawarma can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.