How to Prepare Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just looking to impress your guests, preparing chicken shawarma at home is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making delicious chicken shawarma, from marinating the chicken to assembling the final dish.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds (900 grams) of chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) of olive oil
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of paprika
– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of ground red pepper (optional, for color)
– 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ground cardamom
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chopped parsley
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chopped mint
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ground saffron (optional, for a luxurious touch)
– 2 whole cloves (optional, for added flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of dried mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
– Pita bread or naan
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., hummus, tzatziki, pickled vegetables)
Marinating the Chicken
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic paste, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, ground red pepper, baking powder, sugar, cardamom, and optional saffron and cloves).
2. Add the chopped parsley and mint to the mixture.
3. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and make sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Preheating the Oven
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C) if you’re using a convection oven. This will ensure that your oven is ready when you’re done with the chicken.
Grilling the Chicken
1. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
2. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking.
Resting the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Assembling the Chicken Shawarma
1. Slice the chicken into thin strips or shawarma-style pieces.
2. Warm the pita bread or naan in the oven or on a hot pan.
3. Spread a thin layer of hummus or tzatziki on the pita bread.
4. Add the sliced chicken, followed by your choice of toppings.
5. Garnish with dried mint leaves and sesame seeds if desired.
6. Roll up the pita bread and enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma!
Now that you know how to prepare chicken shawarma, you can easily recreate this delicious Middle Eastern dish in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!
