Experience Middle Eastern Delights At Home: Try Our Kamado Joe Chicken Shawarma Recipe!

Embark on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of the Middle East with this tantalizing Kamado Joe chicken shawarma recipe. This dish combines the smoky richness of the Kamado Joe grill with the aromatic spices of traditional shawarma, resulting in a succulent and flavorful experience that will transport your taste buds to a vibrant souk. Prepare to delight your senses as we guide you through the steps of creating this authentic Middle Eastern delicacy in the comfort of your own backyard.

Ingredients:

1. 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into 1-inch pieces
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
7. 1 teaspoon cumin
8. 1 teaspoon coriander
9. 1 teaspoon paprika
10. 1 teaspoon turmeric
11. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
12. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
13. 1/4 cup lemon juice
14. 1/4 cup water
15. 1/4 cup tahini sauce
16. 1/4 cup yogurt
17. 2 cloves garlic, minced
18. 1 small onion, thinly sliced
19. 1 tomato, diced
20. 1 cucumber, diced
21. 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
22. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
23. Pita bread or tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon juice, and water.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Preheat Your Kamado Joe Grill:

• Set up your Kamado Joe grill for indirect cooking. Aim for a grill temperature of 350°F (175°C).

3. Skewer the Chicken:

• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

4. Grill the Chicken Shawarma:

• Place the skewers on the grill grate over the indirect heat zone.
• Grill the chicken shawarma for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
• Baste the chicken with any remaining marinade during grilling for extra flavor.

5. Make the Tahini Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt to taste.
• Set aside until ready to serve.

6. Assemble the Shawarma:

• Warm the pita bread or tortillas on the grill or in a pan.
• Fill each pita or tortilla with grilled chicken shawarma, sliced onion, diced tomato, diced cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
• Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve immediately.

7. Enjoy the Authentic Middle Eastern Delight:

• Savor the smoky, succulent chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita bread or tortillas, complemented by the creamy tahini sauce and the refreshing flavors of the vegetables.

Tips for a Perfect Kamado Joe Chicken Shawarma:

• Use a high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Free-range or organic chicken is a great choice.
• If you don’t have metal or wooden skewers, you can use toothpicks to hold the chicken pieces in place.
• Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s grilling to prevent it from overcooking.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with your favorite sides, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh.

The Secret to Smoky, Succulent Chicken Shawarma:

The key to achieving that perfect smoky flavor in your chicken shawarma is in the use of the Kamado Joe grill. This ceramic grill is designed to retain heat exceptionally well, creating an ideal environment for slow-cooking and smoking. The thick walls of the Kamado Joe also help to create a consistent cooking temperature, ensuring that your chicken shawarma cooks evenly throughout.

The Perfect Accompaniments for Your Chicken Shawarma:

To elevate your chicken shawarma experience, consider serving it with a variety of sides that complement the flavors of the dish. Some popular choices include:

• Hummus: This creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil is a classic Middle Eastern accompaniment that pairs perfectly with shawarma.
• Baba Ganoush: Another delicious dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, and spices, baba ganoush adds a smoky, savory flavor to your shawarma.
• Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad made from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint is a light and flavorful side dish that balances the richness of the shawarma.
• Rice: Plain or pilaf rice is a versatile side that can soak up the delicious juices from the shawarma.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add a healthy and colorful touch to your shawarma platter.

What’s the Difference Between Shawarma and Gyro?

Shawarma and gyro are both popular Middle Eastern dishes made with grilled meat, but there are some key differences between the two:

• Meat: Shawarma is typically made with chicken, lamb, or beef, while gyro is usually made with lamb or beef.
• Cooking Method: Shawarma is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, while gyro is cooked on a horizontal rotisserie.
• Flavor: Shawarma is typically marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, while gyro is usually seasoned with a simpler mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Serving Style: Shawarma is often served in pita bread or tortillas, while gyro is typically served on a plate with rice or fries.

The Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma:

Chicken shawarma can be a healthy and nutritious meal, especially when prepared with lean chicken and fresh vegetables. Here are some of the potential health benefits of eating chicken shawarma:

• Lean Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and zinc.
• Healthy Fats: Chicken shawarma made with olive oil can provide healthy fats, which are important for heart health.
• Fiber: The vegetables served with chicken shawarma can provide fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full longer.

The Bottom Line: A Culinary Journey to the Middle East

With this Kamado Joe chicken shawarma recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your backyard. The smoky richness of the chicken, the aromatic spices, and the refreshing accompaniments combine to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a weeknight meal with your family, this dish is sure to impress and delight. So fire up your Kamado Joe grill and embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use a different type of grill to make this recipe?

• Yes, you can use a charcoal grill, gas grill, or even an indoor grill pan. However, the Kamado Joe grill is ideal for this recipe because it creates a smoky flavor that is authentic to traditional shawarma.

2. Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?

• Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply.

3. What if I don’t have metal or wooden skewers?

• If you don’t have metal or wooden skewers, you can use toothpicks to hold the chicken pieces in place. You can also cook the chicken on a grill grate without skewers, but you will need to turn the pieces frequently to ensure even cooking.

4. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?

• To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

5. What are some other sides that I can serve with chicken shawarma?

• In addition to the sides mentioned in the blog post, you can also serve chicken shawarma with fattoush salad, pickled turnips, or roasted potatoes.