Easy Chicken Shawarma

Every time I think about the flavors of the Middle East, my mind drifts to the irresistible allure of Easy Chicken Shawarma. This dish isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s a culinary journey that transports you to bustling street markets where the aroma of spices fills the air. I remember the first time I tried shawarma—it was a small food truck, and the moment I took a bite, I was hooked. The tender, marinated chicken paired with a creamy tahini sauce created a flavor explosion that I knew I had to recreate at home.

Cooking this dish feels like a celebration in my kitchen. It’s perfect for summer evenings when I want to impress friends or simply enjoy a delicious meal with family. The joy of marinating the chicken is in choosing the spices—each one brings its character, from the warmth of cumin to the zing of lemon. And let’s not forget that crispy, golden exterior that you achieve with the right baking technique; it’s simply magical!

With Easy Chicken Shawarma, there’s room to be creative. Sometimes I serve it in warm pita bread, while other times, I plate it up with a side of fresh salad. It’s versatile and can easily become a centerpiece for any gathering. I love how it brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying every bite. This recipe is more than just food; it’s about connection and joy.

So, if you’re ready to embark on this flavorful adventure, let’s dive into making Easy Chicken Shawarma. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!

Recipe Ingredients for Easy Chicken Shawarma

The ingredients for Easy Chicken Shawarma are a harmonious blend that brings out the best in each other. The key players are the marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and bright, zesty additions like lemon and cilantro. Together, they create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide a juicy and flavorful base for the shawarma, absorbing all the delightful spices.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: This helps to keep the chicken moist while also adding richness.
• 5 cloves minced garlic: Imparts a strong flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the marinade.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground sumac: This Middle Eastern spice provides a tangy flavor that’s crucial to traditional shawarma.
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes: For a mild heat, giving the dish a warm kick.
• 1/2 tsp allspice: Introduces complexity and depth to the marinade.
• 2 tsp ground cumin: A warm spice that is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
• 2 tsp paprika: Adds color and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives warmth and an unexpected twist to the marinade.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/2 cup tahini: A creamy sesame paste that adds richness to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup water: Used to thin out the tahini sauce to the desired consistency.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Additional acidity for the sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds smoothness to the tahini sauce.
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings freshness and brightness to the dish.
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped: A refreshing herb that adds a burst of flavor.
• 2 cloves minced garlic: Extra garlic for the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin: An additional hint of this warm spice for the sauce.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste: Fine-tunes the flavor of the tahini sauce.

Recipe Steps for Easy Chicken Shawarma

Cooking Easy Chicken Shawarma is a delightful experience, and I can’t wait to guide you through it! This step-by-step process will ensure you capture the authentic flavors and aromas of this dish. Let’s get started!

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade, including the chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sumac, Aleppo pepper flakes, allspice, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Use your hands to toss everything around until the chicken is well coated in the marinade. This is where the magic begins!

2. Once the chicken is nicely coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes; however, if you have time, letting it marinate for up to 1 hour will deepen the flavors even further.

3. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.

4. After the marination time, transfer the chicken (including all the marinade) to a foil-lined baking sheet or a casserole dish. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

5. Now it’s time to bake! Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be cooked through but still juicy.

6. For that perfect crispy finish, increase the oven heat to 425 degrees F and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This will give your chicken a gorgeous golden-brown color and a crispy exterior.

7. Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for a succulent bite.

8. While the chicken is resting, let’s make the magic tahini sauce! In a small blender, add all the ingredients for the sauce, including tahini, water, lemon juice, olive oil, and remaining cilantro, parsley, and mint.

9. Blend everything until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice or sea salt to achieve your desired taste. This sauce is what elevates the dish to a whole new level!

10. Finally, slice the chicken and serve it warm, drizzled with the tahini sauce and garnished with extra chopped herbs. Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Shawarma!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many ways to make Easy Chicken Shawarma your own! Here are some tips to inspire you to experiment:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using marinated tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based twist on shawarma!
• Serving Style: Serve the chicken in a wrap or as a platter for sharing with friends and family.

Serving Ideas for Easy Chicken Shawarma

When it comes to serving Easy Chicken Shawarma, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish:

• In a Wrap: Serve the sliced chicken in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs.
• Over Rice: Plate the chicken over fluffy rice, with a drizzle of the tahini sauce and a side of hummus for a filling meal.
• On a Salad: Create a fresh salad with greens, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and top it with the shawarma chicken and dressing.
• With Sides: Serve alongside tabbouleh, pickles, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean feast.
• For Special Occasions: This dish is great for gatherings, BBQs, or even as part of a buffet spread.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, enjoy it fresh with a side of tabbouleh salad; in winter, serve it warm with roasted root vegetables.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic dish that combines bold flavors and simple preparation, making it a staple in any home chef’s repertoire. This recipe is about more than just food; it’s a way to bring loved ones together around the table.

I encourage you to try making this dish at home. You’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also create wonderful memories in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the savory goodness of Easy Chicken Shawarma tonight!

Easy Chicken Shawarma

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful dish packed with spices and zesty goodness. This easy weeknight dinner will have your taste buds dancing, and it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 2 lemons zested and juiced
• 1 1/2 tsp ground sumac
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste

Equipment

• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Blender

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade, including the chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sumac, Aleppo pepper flakes, allspice, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Use your hands to toss everything around until the chicken is well coated in the marinade. This is where the magic begins!
2. Once the chicken is nicely coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes; however, if you have time, letting it marinate for up to 1 hour will deepen the flavors even further.
3. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.
4. After the marination time, transfer the chicken (including all the marinade) to a foil-lined baking sheet or a casserole dish. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
5. Now it’s time to bake! Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be cooked through but still juicy.
6. For that perfect crispy finish, increase the oven heat to 425 degrees F and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This will give your chicken a gorgeous golden-brown color and a crispy exterior.
7. Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for a succulent bite.
8. While the chicken is resting, let’s make the magic tahini sauce! In a small blender, add all the ingredients for the sauce, including tahini, water, lemon juice, olive oil, and remaining cilantro, parsley, and mint.
9. Blend everything until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice or sea salt to achieve your desired taste. This sauce is what elevates the dish to a whole new level!
10. Finally, slice the chicken and serve it warm, drizzled with the tahini sauce and garnished with extra chopped herbs. Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Shawarma!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using marinated tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based twist on shawarma!
• Serving Style: Serve the chicken in a wrap or as a platter for sharing with friends and family.

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