How To Grill Chicken Shawarma Perfectly – Secrets From A Pro Chef!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of chicken shawarma but don’t have access to a traditional rotisserie? Fear not! You can grill chicken shawarma right in the comfort of your backyard or on your balcony. This delectable dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to your taste preferences. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover the art of grilling chicken shawarma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend (or substitute with a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pita bread or tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., hummus, tahini, pickled vegetables, tomatoes, onions)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). If you’re using a gas grill, preheat only one side and keep the other side off for indirect grilling. If you’re using a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side and cooler coals on the other.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the hot side of the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 4: Finish Cooking Indirectly

Move the chicken to the indirect side of the grill and continue grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Serve the chicken shawarma in pita bread or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: For a more flavorful and juicy shawarma, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Vegetable Shawarma: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and onions.
• Spicy Shawarma: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Yogurt Marinade: For a tangier flavor, replace the olive oil in the marinade with plain yogurt.

Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.
• If you don’t have a shawarma spice blend, you can create your own by combining equal parts cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• Serve the shawarma with a variety of toppings to customize each person’s meal.
• Leftover shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Wrapping Up

Grilling chicken shawarma is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy this Middle Eastern delicacy. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a flavorful and customizable meal that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re craving shawarma, don’t hesitate to fire up the grill and give it a try.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for shawarma?
A: Yes, you can use lamb, beef, or veal. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How can I make the shawarma more tender?
A: Marinating the chicken overnight will help tenderize it. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the chicken before marinating.

Q: What are some other toppings that I can use for shawarma?
A: You can add any toppings you like, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, or even pomegranate seeds.