Embark on a flavorful journey with Chicken Shawarma, a Middle Eastern culinary gem. This dish is renowned for its savory, spiced chicken, thinly sliced and often served in a pita or flatbread with an array of fresh vegetables and sauces. Chicken Shawarma is not just a meal; it's an experience of bold flavors and diverse textures, a true delight for the senses.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, thinly sliced: 600g (1.32 lbs / 21 oz)
- Yogurt: 60ml (2 oz)
- Lemon juice: 30ml (1 oz)
- Garlic, minced: 10g (0.35 oz)
- Ground cumin: 5g (0.2 oz)
- Paprika: 5g (0.2 oz)
- Ground turmeric: 2g (0.07 oz)
- Olive oil: 30ml (1 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita or flatbread: 4
- Lettuce, shredded: as needed
- Tomato, sliced: as needed
- Cucumber, sliced: as needed
- Tahini sauce: as needed
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Assemble Shawarma: Warm the pita or flatbread. Add chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and drizzle with tahini sauce. Roll up the bread around the fillings.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Thinly Sliced Chicken: Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
- Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Tahini Sauce: Homemade tahini sauce adds an authentic touch to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor that's great for shawarma.
What else can I add to the shawarma?
Pickles, red onion, or a garlic sauce are popular additions.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flatbread or serve the chicken with a salad.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.