Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken, spices, and yogurt, often served in pita bread with garlic sauce and vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe to make Chicken Shawarma at home:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, salt, allspice, and cayenne pepper.
   • Mix well to form a paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl with the marinade.
   • Ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
   • If using a grill, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
   • If using an oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked, turning once halfway through.
4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
   • Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Assemble the Shawarma:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
   • Warm the pita bread or flatbread.
   • Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on the bread.
   • Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, and pickles (if using).
   • Roll or fold the bread to enclose the filling.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Chicken Shawarma with extra garlic sauce on the side.
   • Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma!

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or sauces. Enjoy!