Tantalize your taste buds: how to make authentic middle eastern chicken shawarma in your kitchen

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with this comprehensive guide on how to make mouthwatering chicken shawarma. From marinating the chicken to grilling it to perfection, we’ll walk you through every step to create this iconic dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon shawarma spice blend
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Shawarma:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup tahini sauce
• 1/4 cup hummus
• 6 pita breads

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, shawarma spice blend, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

2. Grill the Chicken

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
• Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

• While the chicken is grilling, prepare the vegetables.
• Thinly slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
• Chop the parsley and cilantro.

4. Assemble the Shawarma

• Warm the pita breads on the grill or in the oven.
• Spread a thin layer of tahini sauce and hummus on each pita bread.
• Layer the sliced chicken, vegetables, and herbs on top.
• Roll up the pita breads and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Shawarma

• Use a high-quality shawarma spice blend for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
• Grill the chicken over medium-high heat to get a slightly charred exterior.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with your favorite toppings.

Variations

• Beef Shawarma: Replace the chicken with beef tenderloin and adjust the marinating time accordingly.
• Lamb Shawarma: Use lamb shoulder or leg and follow the same instructions as for chicken.
• Vegetarian Shawarma: Grill sliced vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers instead of chicken.

The Perfect Accompaniments

• Tahini Sauce: A creamy sauce made from tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Hummus: A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy and refreshing element to the shawarma.
• French Fries: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with shawarma.

The Secret to Authentic Shawarma

• Use a vertical rotisserie to grill the chicken for a more traditional flavor.
• Shave the chicken thinly for the most tender and juicy shawarma.
• Serve the shawarma in a pita bread or a saj bread for a more authentic experience.

Final Thoughts: Experience the True Taste of the Middle East

With this detailed guide, you can now create mouthwatering chicken shawarma in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different variations and toppings to find your perfect combination. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a taste of the Middle East, this delicious dish will surely impress.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they will cook faster. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Q: How can I make the shawarma more spicy?
A: Add more shawarma spice blend to the marinade or sprinkle some chili powder on top before grilling.

Q: What can I do with leftover shawarma?
A: Leftover shawarma can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It can also be reheated in the oven or microwave.