Savor The Middle Eastern Delight: Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe For Filipino Kitchens

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with our authentic chicken shawarma recipe Philippines. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a tangy sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita bread. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this flavorful and easy-to-follow chicken shawarma recipe Philippines.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 kilogram boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• 6 pita breads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup pickles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Make the Marinade:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

3. Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
• Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

6. Assemble the Shawarma:

• Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a grill.
• Spread some sauce on each pita bread.
• Add the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles.
• Roll up the pita breads and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Shawarma Recipe Philippines:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill or grill pan when cooking the chicken. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with your favorite sides.

Variations on the Chicken Shawarma Recipe Philippines:

• Try using different types of meat, such as lamb or beef.
• Add your favorite vegetables to the shawarma, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different sauces, such as a spicy harissa sauce or a creamy garlic sauce.
• Serve the shawarma with different sides, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh.

Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma:

• Chicken is a lean protein that is low in fat and calories.
• The spices used in shawarma, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
• Vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, are low in calories and high in nutrients.

The Perfect Accompaniments to Chicken Shawarma:

• Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice.
• Baba Ganoush: A smoky eggplant dip.
• Tabbouleh: A salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
• Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey.

Beyond Satisfaction: Elevate Your Chicken Shawarma Experience:

• Experiment with different marinades to create unique flavor profiles.
• Try cooking the chicken on skewers for a more authentic presentation.
• Serve the shawarma with a variety of sauces and toppings to cater to different preferences.
• Explore different bread options, such as naan or lavash, to add variety to your shawarma experience.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are a bit fattier than chicken breasts, but they are also more flavorful.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but you can marinate it for up to overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.

3. What is the best way to cook the chicken?

You can cook the chicken on a grill, a grill pan, or in a skillet. If you are using a grill or grill pan, cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If you are using a skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.