Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma

Juicy Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma at Home

If you’re craving the aromatic, juicy flavors of Middle Eastern street food, this Chicken Shawarma is a must-try! With just a few easy steps and ingredients, you’ll get that incredible, bold taste right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

Shawarma Marinade:

• 800g (1.75 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp plain yogurt

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For Serving:

• Flatbreads (pita or Lebanese bread)

• Fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions, sliced

• Chopped fresh parsley

• A drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken: Add chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least an hour (for best results, marinate for 8 hours or even overnight). This time lets the spices deeply flavor the chicken!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Grill or Pan: Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a little oil.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes or until charred and cooked through. The high heat locks in the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.

3. Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice into thin, shawarma-style pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

1. Warm the Bread: Slightly warm the flatbreads, so they’re soft and flexible.

2. Fill with Goodies: Add a generous portion of chicken, then top with cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and parsley.

3. Sauce It Up: Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce for that extra creamy goodness.

Tips for the Best Shawarma:

• Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the richer the flavors.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Make it a Feast: Serve with hummus, tabbouleh, or a side of roasted veggies.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma with all the smoky, spicy flavors you love!