Unlock the secret of restaurant-quality chicken shawarma without an oven: a step-by-step guide

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with this comprehensive guide on how to make chicken shawarma at home without an oven. This delectable dish, traditionally cooked on a rotating spit, can be recreated in your own kitchen with ease, allowing you to savor its succulent goodness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 4 pita breads
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• Pickled turnips (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Season the Chicken

In a separate bowl, combine the shawarma spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season it generously with the spice mixture.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce until smooth.

5. Assemble the Shawarma

Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Heat the pita breads for a few seconds on each side to warm them up. Spread a layer of sauce on each pita bread. Top with the cooked chicken, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and pickled turnips (if using).

6. Roll and Serve

Roll up the pita breads and serve immediately.

Tips

• For a more authentic flavor, use a traditional shawarma spice blend, which typically includes cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• If you don’t have a griddle or skillet, you can also use a toaster oven to warm up the pita breads.
• To make the shawarma ahead of time, cook the chicken and assemble the shawarma but do not roll it up. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble when ready to serve.

Variations

• Try using different types of meat, such as lamb, beef, or turkey.
• Experiment with different toppings, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, or pickles.
• Add a side of fries, fattoush salad, or tabbouleh to complete the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken shawarma is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthier alternative to other fast food options.

Wrap-Up: Savor the Exotic Flavors of Home-Cooked Chicken Shawarma

With this easy-to-follow guide, you can now enjoy the delectable flavors of chicken shawarma in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal or want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use a different type of meat than chicken?
A: Yes, you can use lamb, beef, or turkey instead of chicken.

Q: What can I substitute for shawarma spice blend?
A: You can use a combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create your own shawarma spice blend.

Q: How can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
A: Cook the chicken and assemble the shawarma but do not roll it up. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble when ready to serve.