Making Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma-Step By Step Guide

Chicken shawarma, with its tender, juicy meat and irresistible blend of spices, is a beloved dish across the Middle East. Traditionally cooked on a rotating vertical spit, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of shawarma to your home kitchen, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Let's embark on a culinary journey and create a shawarma experience that will tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

For the Chicken:

• 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips.

For Serving:

• Pita bread, warmed.
• Chopped tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
• Tahini sauce or tzatziki sauce.
• Hummus (optional).
• Pickled vegetables (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, spices, and salt and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken strips in a large Ziploc bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the chicken: You can use several methods for cooking the shawarma:
   • Pan-fry: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. Cook the chicken in batches until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble the shawarma: Warm your pita bread. Fill each pita with chicken, chopped vegetables, and your desired toppings. Drizzle with your chosen sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy shawarma.
• Adjust the number of spices to your taste preference.
• Marinate the chicken for longer for deeper flavor.
• Serve the shawarma with additional toppings like chopped parsley, mint, or hot sauce.
• If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.