Cook up a delicious Chicken Shawarma at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and served with a creamy tahini sauce, this homemade shawarma is a taste of the Middle East in your own kitchen. Make it your way with fresh toppings and enjoy a mouthwatering meal today
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shawarma Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
- Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
- Pickles
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the shawarma sauce: tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the marinated chicken in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and slightly browned. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Warm your pita bread or flatbreads.
- Assemble your shawarma by placing a generous spoonful of the cooked chicken on each piece of bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fresh parsley or cilantro, and pickles.
- Drizzle the prepared shawarma sauce over the toppings.
- Fold the bread around the filling, creating a wrap or sandwich.
- Serve your chicken shawarma immediately and enjoy!
Feel free to customize your shawarma by adding other toppings like hot sauce, olives, or different vegetables to suit your preferences.
सामग्री:
मरिनेशन के लिए:
- 2 पाउंड (लगभग 900 ग्राम) बोनलेस, स्किनलेस चिकन थाइघ्स
- 1/4 कप प्लेन योगर्ट
- 2 बड़े चम्च जैतून तेल
- 3 लौंग का अदरक, कद्दूकस किया हुआ
- 1 छोटा चम्च जीरा पाउडर
- 1 छोटा चम्च पाप्रिका पाउडर
- 1/2 छोटा चम्च धनिया पाउडर
- 1/2 छोटा चम्च हल्दी पाउडर
- 1/2 छोटा चम्च दारचीनी पाउडर
- नमक और काली मिर्च स्वाद के अनुसार
शवर्मा सॉस के लिए:
- 1/4 कप तहीनी (सेसेम सीड्स पेस्ट)
- 2 बड़े चम्च नींबू रस
- 2 बड़े चम्च पानी
- 1 बड़ा चम्च जैतून तेल
- 1 लौंग का अदरक, कद्दूकस किया हुआ
- 1/2 छोटा चम्च जीरा पाउडर
- नमक स्वाद के अनुसार
परोसने के लिए:
- पीता ब्रेड या फ्लैटब्रेड
- कटी हुई टमाटर
- कटी हुई खीरा
- कटी हुई प्याज
- ताजा पार्सली या धनिया पत्तियाँ
- आचार
निर्देश:
- एक बाउल में, सभी मरिनेशन की सामग्री को मिलाएं: योगर्ट, जैतून तेल, कद्दूकस किया हुआ अदरक, जीरा, पाप्रिका, धनिया, हल्दी, और दारचीनी, नमक और काली मिर्च.
- चिकन थाइघ्स को पतले पट्टियों या छोटे टुकड़ों में काट लें. चिकन के टुकड़ों को मरिनेशन में डालें, इन्हें अच्छी तरह से अच्छे से चढ़ा दें. बाउल को ढककर दें और न्यूनतम 1 घंटे के लिए या सर्वश्रेष्ठ परिणामों के लिए रात भर रेफ़्रिजरेट करें.
- एक छोटे बाउल में शवर्मा सॉस की सामग्री को फ़ैला दें: तहीनी, नींबू का रस, पानी, जैतून तेल, कद्दूकस किया हुआ अदरक, जीरा पाउडर, और नमक. सॉस को अलग रखें.
- मध्यम आंच पर एक बड़ी स्किलेट या ग्रिल पैन गरम करें. चिपकने से बचाने के लिए थोड़ा जैतून तेल डालें.
- मरिनेटेड चिकन को स्किलेट में पकाएं, बार-बार चलाते हुए, जब तक यह पूरी तरह से पका हो और हल्का सा भूरा हो जाए. इसमें लगभग 6-8 मिनट का समय लग सकता है.
- पीता ब्रेड या फ्लैटब्रेड को गरम करें.
- अपने शवर्मा को तैयार करें, हर एक ब्रेड पर पके हुए चिकन का एक दाना रखें. उसपर कटी हुई टमाटर, खीरा, प्याज, ताजा पार्सली या धनिया, और आचार डालें.
- तैयार किया गया शवर्मा सॉस को टॉपिंग पर ड्रिज़ल करें.
- अपना चिकन शवर्मा तुरंत पेश करें और आनंद लें!
आप अपने विचारों के अनुसार शवर्मा को अन्य टॉपिंग्स जैसे कि गरम सॉस, जैतून, या विभिन्न सब्जियों को जोड़कर अपने पसंद के अनुसार अनुकूलित कर सकते हैं।
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breast, be sure not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
What can I substitute for tahini in the shawarma sauce?
If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a different flavor. You can also make a yogurt-based sauce with a similar consistency by mixing yogurt with a dash of lemon juice and some olive oil.
Can I prepare the marinated chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
What are some common shawarma toppings?
Common shawarma toppings include sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fresh parsley or cilantro, and pickles. You can also add shredded lettuce, hot sauce, or a drizzle of garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan shawarma by substituting the chicken with tofu, seitan, or a plant-based protein of your choice. Use dairy-free yogurt for the marinade and choose vegan alternatives for the shawarma sauce.
What type of bread is best for serving shawarma?
Pita bread or flatbreads are commonly used for serving shawarma. You can warm them up for a softer texture, or toast them slightly for a bit of crunch.
Is it possible to grill the marinated chicken instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling the marinated chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Cook it on a preheated grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked, usually about 5-7 minutes per side.
Can I prepare the shawarma marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook the shawarma.
How can I make the chicken even more tender?
For even more tender chicken, you can add a bit of plain yogurt or buttermilk to the marinade. The natural acidity in these dairy products can help tenderize the meat. Marinating for a longer period can also enhance tenderness.
What side dishes go well with chicken shawarma?
Common side dishes to serve with chicken shawarma include tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanoush, or a simple salad with a lemon-tahini dressing. Rice pilaf or couscous are also excellent choices.
Can I freeze leftover marinated chicken for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for future use. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Are there any alternatives to pita bread for serving?
If you don’t have pita bread, you can use flatbreads, tortillas, naan, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. The choice of bread can add a unique twist to your shawarma.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat to your chicken shawarma, you can include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce in the marinade. Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preference.
Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning instead of making my own marinade?
Yes, you can use store-bought shawarma seasoning mixes for convenience. Follow the instructions on the packaging to marinate the chicken. However, making your own marinade allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
