Taste The Middle East: Discover The Secrets Of Making Authentic Chicken Shawarma With Step-by-step Pictures

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with our comprehensive chicken shawarma recipe. This step-by-step guide, adorned with vivid pictures, will lead you through the process of creating this delectable dish that tantalizes taste buds and captivates hearts. From marinating the succulent chicken to assembling the flavorful shawarma wraps, we’ll provide detailed instructions and visual aids to ensure your culinary success.

Ingredients:

1. Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
2. Marinade:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3. Shawarma Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon ground sumac
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4. Vegetables:

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

5. Sauce:

• 1 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

6. Pita Bread:

• 6 pieces of pita bread

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Shawarma Seasoning:

• In a small bowl, combine the ground sumac, allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
• Mix well and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Once cooked, sprinkle the shawarma seasoning over the chicken and mix well.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps:

• Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven until slightly crispy.
• Spread some tahini sauce on the pita bread.
• Top with the cooked chicken, sliced red onion, cucumber, tomato, and parsley.
• Drizzle with additional tahini sauce, if desired.
• Roll up the pita bread and enjoy!

5. Make the Tahini Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Shawarma:

• Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice sear and prevent it from drying out.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
• Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Serve the shawarma wraps immediately with extra tahini sauce, if desired.

Variations:

• You can use lamb or beef instead of chicken.
• You can add other vegetables to the shawarma wraps, such as lettuce, bell peppers, or carrots.
• You can use a different type of sauce, such as hummus or tzatziki.
• You can serve the shawarma wraps with french fries or rice.

Final Thoughts:

With this step-by-step chicken shawarma recipe, you can now bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East into your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and indulge in the delightful experience of homemade chicken shawarma.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

• A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?

• A: You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be.

3. Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of a skillet?

• A: Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Q: What can I use instead of pita bread?

• A: You can use tortillas, flatbread, or even lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.