Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground Kashmiri chili
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
For the Wrap:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground Kashmiri chili, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and full-fat yogurt.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill or bake the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. If using an oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed. Season with salt to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a pan or microwave.
- Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on each piece of bread.
- Layer with fresh vegetables and sliced chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Roll up the bread to enclose the filling.
- Serve immediately with extra tahini sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Extra Toppings: Add pickles, hummus, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel for a delicious vegetarian shawarma.
Enjoy your simple, homemade shawarma, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!