Grilled Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Journey to the Middle East

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There’s something magical about the aroma of grilled chicken shawarma wafting through the air. This Middle Eastern delicacy, with its tantalizing blend of spices, tender chicken, and fresh accompaniments, has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventure, grilled chicken shawarma is a dish worth mastering.

Let’s dive into the world of shawarma, exploring its history, the joy of grilling, and a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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The Origins of Shawarma

Shawarma, a name derived from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “turning,” refers to the traditional method of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie.

Shawarma

This culinary technique dates back to the Ottoman Empire and has evolved over centuries, with various regions adding their unique twists.

The essence of shawarma lies in marinating meat, typically chicken, lamb, or beef, in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs before slow-cooking it on a spit. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that’s thinly sliced and often served in flatbreads with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Why Grilled Chicken Shawarma?

While traditional shawarma is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, not everyone has access to this equipment. Enter grilled chicken shawarma!

Grilling provides a fantastic alternative, capturing the essence of shawarma with a smoky char that enhances the marinade’s flavors.

Grilling Shawarma

Plus, grilling is accessible and can be done on a simple outdoor grill or even a grill pan on your stovetop. This method allows you to enjoy the authentic taste of shawarma in your backyard or kitchen, bringing a slice of the Middle East to your home.

The Secret is in the Marinade

The heart of a great grilled chicken shawarma lies in the marinade. This is where the magic happens, transforming plain chicken into a flavorful feast.

Shawarma

The marinade typically includes a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of warm spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. These spices are not just for flavor; they’re also packed with antioxidants and health benefits.

Shawarma

For an added touch of authenticity, some recipes include yogurt, which helps tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and succulent.

Don’t rush the marinating process; letting the chicken soak in these flavors for several hours, or even overnight, will make all the difference. The result? Every bite bursts with layers of taste that dance on your palate.

The Grilling Process

Grilling chicken shawarma is an art, but it’s one that’s easy to master with a few tips. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.

Grilling Shawarma

You want a hot grill to sear the chicken, locking in the juices and creating those beautiful grill marks. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it until it’s almost smoking before adding the chicken.

Place the marinated chicken on the grill, allowing it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. This will help develop a nice crust and prevent the chicken from sticking. Depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces, cooking time may vary, but generally, it takes about 5-7 minutes per side.

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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Journey to the Middle East
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Grilled Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Journey to the Middle East

Recipe by arwynnCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Marinade:Grilling Shawarma

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • Juice of 2 lemons

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)

  • For the Garlic Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons tahini

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Salt, to taste

  • For Serving:

  • Pita bread or flatbreads

  • Sliced tomatoes

  • Sliced cucumbers

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Sliced red onions

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

  • Pickles (optional)

  • Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare the Marinade:
    In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), black pepper, and salt.
    Add the yogurt (if using) and stir to combine.
    Place the chicken in the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Make the Garlic Sauce:
    In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Grill the Chicken:
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
    Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
    Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  • Assemble the Shawarma:
    Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet.
    Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on the bread.
    Top with the grilled chicken strips, then add your choice of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, red onions, fresh herbs, pickles, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
    Wrap the bread around the fillings, tucking in one end to form a neat roll, or leave it open-faced for easier eating.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve the grilled chicken shawarma with extra garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Notes

  • This recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that brings a taste of the Middle East to your table. Customize the toppings and sauces to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Bon appétit!

Serving Your Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, the fun part begins: serving! Traditional shawarma is typically served in a warm pita or flatbread, but you can also use naan or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites.

Shawarma

Now, let’s talk toppings. The sky’s the limit here! Classic accompaniments include fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

Shawarma

Don’t forget a generous dollop of creamy garlic sauce or tahini sauce to bring everything together. For a fresh kick, add some pickled vegetables or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a few pickled jalapeños can add a delightful spicy twist.

A Versatile Dish

One of the best things about grilled chicken shawarma is its versatility. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a meal prep option that will keep you satisfied throughout the week.

You can serve it as a sandwich, a salad, or even as a topping for a hearty grain bowl. Leftover chicken can be repurposed into wraps, stir-fries, or added to pasta dishes for an unexpected burst of flavor.

A Taste of the Middle East at Home

So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey with grilled chicken shawarma. It’s a dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make, offering a delightful taste of the Middle East right in your own kitchen. Happy grilling!

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