Shawarma Spiced Chicken

Shawarma spiced chicken is a Middle Eastern dish made by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, typically including cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garlic, and lemon juice, and then cooking it on a rotating spit. The chicken is thinly sliced and served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and often topped with a sauce like tahini or garlic sauce. Some variations also include cheese, French fries, or pickled vegetables. It is a popular street food and is enjoyed for its bold and flavorful taste.

Since chicken shawarma is traditionally prepared on a vertical spit over open flames, it can be challenging to prepare an authentic version of this dish at home. Fortunately, this tasty recipe delivers great shawarma flavor using tools you probably already have in your kitchen with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Shawarma Marinade Ingredients:

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 6 chicken – skinless, boneless thighs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Greek Yogurt Dressing:

• 1 cup Greek plain yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

To serve:

• Bibb or Romaine lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Cucumber slices

Equipment

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Large bowl with lid or large sealable bag
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl or small bowl for shawarma spice mix

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine garlic, spice mixture, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and whisk to combine.
2. Place boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large, sealable plastic bag and pour marinade mixture on top. Seal the bag and gently turn to thoroughly coat chicken. Place in the refrigerator for several hours to overnight.
3. To prepare the yogurt sauce, combine all ingredients in a glass or other non-reactive bowl and stir to combine. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from bag and discard remaining chicken marinade. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and brown on each side, approximately 2 minutes per side. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
5. Reduce to medium heat and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool for several minutes.
6. Slice chicken into thin slices and arrange on lettuce leaves and top with tomatoes and cucumbers. Drizzle with Greek yogurt dressing and serve immediately. Enjoy! 

Cooking Tips

•  For quick make-ahead meals, double or triple this recipe and prepare several freezers bags with chicken and marinade at once. Then, place each bag in freezer until ready to use. Pull out a bag the night before preparing to give the chicken a chance to defrost and marinade at the same time.

Goes well with (other dishes)

There are many different ways to enjoy traditional shawarma spiced chicken is often paired with sides and condiments that complement its bold and flavorful taste. Some common pairings include:

1. Rice – often served with a side of fluffy white rice pilaf to absorb the flavorful sauce.
2. Vegetables – commonly served with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles to add crunch and freshness.
3. Sauces – a variety of sauces, such as tahini sauce, hummus bowls, garlic sauce, and hot sauce, can be used to add creaminess and extra flavor.
4. Flatbreads – pita bread is often used to wrap the chicken and vegetables, such as Greek gyros providing a tasty base for the dish.
5. Drinks – a cold drink, such as lemonade, iced tea, or soda, can help balance the spiciness of the dish.

These pairings help to balance the flavors and textures in the dish, making for a satisfying meal.

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Bragging Rights

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