This Chicken Shawarma is marinated in a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices and then grilled or roasted to perfection. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavors, perfect for serving in pita bread, wraps, or on a salad!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts 🍗
- 1/4 cup olive oil 🛢️
- Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin 🌿
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander 🌿
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 🌿
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat) 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread 🥙
- Chopped lettuce 🥬
- Sliced tomatoes 🍅
- Sliced cucumbers 🥒
- Red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- Tzatziki or garlic sauce (optional) 🥄
📝 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally for 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Option 1: Grill
- Preheat the grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken:
- Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Option 2: Oven
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast the chicken:
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Slice the Chicken:
- Rest and slice:
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips for serving.
4. Assemble the Shawarma:
- Prepare the wrap:
- Warm the pita or flatbread, then layer with the sliced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh parsley.
- Add sauce:
- Drizzle with tzatziki or garlic sauce for added flavor.
5. Serve:
- Serve and enjoy:
- Wrap up the pita or serve the chicken shawarma on a plate with rice or salad for a complete meal.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
⏱️ Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 40-45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving (without sauce)
This Chicken Shawarma is loaded with bold flavors and makes a delicious, healthy meal that’s perfect for wraps, bowls, or platters! 🐔🥙🌿