Homemade Chicken Shawarma – A Middle Eastern Delight

If you’re a fan of succulent chicken and vibrant spices, you’ll love this homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home without needing a vertical rotisserie. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, this shawarma will be the star of your dining table. Here’s how to create this Middle Eastern classic in less than an hour.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Yogurt sauce for serving
• Pita bread for serving
• Fresh vegetables (like tomato, cucumber, and red onion) for serving

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and make sure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
4. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown exterior.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your yogurt sauce and chop the fresh vegetables.
7. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for around 5 minutes. Then thinly slice it into strips.
8. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet.
9. Assemble your shawarma: Spread some yogurt sauce on the pita, add a generous helping of the chicken strips, and top with your choice of fresh vegetables.
10. Roll up the pita like a wrap and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma!

Additional Tips:

• If you have a grill, you can cook the chicken on it for more authentic char-grilled flavor.
• Add pickles or tahini sauce for an extra zing in your shawarma wrap.
• If you are making this for a crowd, set up a shawarma station with different toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their own wrap.

Making Chicken Shawarma at home is a delightful and interactive way to enjoy a traditionally street-side Middle Eastern dish. With this recipe, the tender, fragrant chicken and the array of fresh toppings wrapped in warm pita bread will transport your taste buds to the streets of Beirut or Istanbul. Kali orexi!