Delicious Homemade Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. This flavorful and aromatic dish combines tender, marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and a creamy, spicy sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Chicken Shawarma is both delicious and satisfying, offering a delightful blend of spices and textures.

Ingredients

• Chicken Thigh Fillets: Use 2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken thigh fillets for a juicy and tender texture. Thigh fillets are preferred for their rich flavor and ability to stay moist during cooking.
• Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic add a robust and savory flavor to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Three tablespoons of lemon juice provide a zesty tang that helps to tenderize the chicken and enhance the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Three tablespoons of olive oil are used to create a rich and moist marinade.
• Ground Coriander and Cumin: Two teaspoons each of ground coriander and ground cumin add earthy and aromatic notes to the marinade.
• Paprika: Two teaspoons of paprika contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Salt: Two teaspoons of salt are essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Ground Allspice: One teaspoon of ground allspice adds a warm and complex flavor to the marinade.
• Ground Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and depth to the marinade.
• Pita Bread: Eight pieces of soft pita bread are perfect for wrapping the chicken and vegetables.
• Lettuce: Three cups of shredded lettuce provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich and savory chicken.
• Red Onion: One thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the shawarma.
• Tomatoes: Four sliced tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness to the dish.
• Plain Yogurt: One and a half cups of plain yogurt form the base of the creamy sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons of mayonnaise add richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Sriracha Sauce: One tablespoon of Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste) provides a spicy kick to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: One teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 1:

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and penetrate the chicken.

Step 2:

Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to use it. This creamy and spicy sauce will add a delicious kick to your shawarma.

Step 3:

Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off. Grill the chicken thigh fillets for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and nicely charred on the outside. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 4:

Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread either on the grill for a few seconds on each side or in the oven wrapped in foil. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce onto each warmed pita bread. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and grilled chicken slices. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired to enhance the flavors.

Step 5:

Serve: Serve the Chicken Shawarma immediately, either wrapped in the pita bread or as an open-faced sandwich. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy, spicy sauce wrapped in soft pita bread creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Serving and Storage Tips

For the best experience, serve the Chicken Shawarma immediately after assembling. The warm pita bread, combined with the freshly grilled chicken and crisp vegetables, offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. If you have any leftovers, store the components separately to maintain their freshness. Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, while the vegetables should be kept fresh and crisp in their own containers.

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, known for his expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine, often emphasizes the importance of balance in flavors and textures. He suggests that a good shawarma should have a harmony of savory, tangy, and spicy notes, complemented by the freshness of the vegetables and the softness of the pita bread. Following this principle, feel free to tweak the recipe to achieve the perfect balance that suits your taste.

For an authentic touch, you might want to serve the Chicken Shawarma with traditional Middle Eastern sides such as hummus, tabbouleh, or baba ghanoush. These dishes not only complement the flavors of the shawarma but also provide a complete and satisfying meal experience. And if you're in the mood for an extra indulgence, a drizzle of tahini sauce over the assembled shawarma can add a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.