Introduction
If you're craving the tantalizing flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, look no further than this delicious grilled chicken shawarma recipe. Tender marinated chicken, infused with aromatic spices, is cooked to perfection on a grill, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Get ready to savor the rich flavors and experience the joy of homemade shawarma right in your backyard.
Preparation Time
30 minutes Marinating Time: 2-4 hours Grilling Time: 10-15 minutes Total Time: 3-4 hours Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Tahini sauce
- Chopped fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, onions)
- Pickles
- Hummus (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Cut the boneless chicken thighs into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are evenly lit and covered with a light layer of ash.
- Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill for a minute or two on each side.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will help retain the juiciness of the meat.
- To assemble the shawarma, spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on each warmed pita bread or flatbread. Add a handful of chopped fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions. Top with the grilled chicken strips and garnish with pickles and a dollop of hummus if desired.
- Roll up the pita bread or flatbread tightly, enclosing the fillings. Secure with foil or parchment paper and enjoy your homemade grilled chicken shawarma!
Conclusion
Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful world of Middle Eastern cuisine with this tantalizing grilled chicken shawarma recipe. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner, this dish will impress your family and friends