Name: Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless and skinless): Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for shawarma. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs provide better flavor and tenderness.; Olive Oil (¼ cup): Helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.; Lemon Juice (3 tablespoons): Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.; Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a savory depth to the marinade.; Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and earthiness to the dish.; Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild sweetness and a pop of color.; Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon): Gives the chicken a golden hue and a subtle earthy flavor.; Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the marinade.; Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the shawarma.; Cayenne Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick of heat, adjust to your spice preference.; Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the flavors in the marinade.

Description

This Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the bold, aromatic flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen. Marinated in a blend of warm spices, this juicy chicken is perfect for serving in pita bread, over rice, or in a salad.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless and skinless): Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for shawarma.
- You can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs provide better flavor and tenderness.
Olive Oil (¼ cup): Helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.
Lemon Juice (3 tablespoons): Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a savory depth to the marinade.
Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and earthiness to the dish.
Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild sweetness and a pop of color.
Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon): Gives the chicken a golden hue and a subtle earthy flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the shawarma.
Cayenne Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick of heat, adjust to your spice preference.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the flavors in the marinade.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cook the Chicken: Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or grill for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken into strips and serve in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

Notes

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is bursting with Middle Eastern flavors and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. The key to great shawarma is the marinade, which infuses the chicken with rich spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight and cook it at high heat for a slightly charred, crispy exterior. Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of garlic or tahini sauce for an authentic shawarma experience. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and make a great addition to salads, wraps, or rice bowls.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: main course
Method: baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern Chicken, Easy Shawarma Recipe, Healthy Chicken Shawarma