# This Chicken Shawarma is Going to Astonish You
Shawarma is a cherished meal that pairs crispy, charred spiced meat enveloped in a soft pita, alongside fresh veggies like lettuce, succulent tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. It’s an adaptable dish that can be savored any time of day, making it a favored selection for nocturnal hunger or a quick meal. The delightful tastes of shawarma have established it as a cornerstone in street food customs, particularly in the Middle East.
## How to Prepare Shawarma
Shawarma can be made using a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey. In this guide, we’ll concentrate on chicken thighs.
### Ingredients
– **Chicken Thighs**: 2 lbs, boneless and skinless
– **Olive Oil**: 3 tbsp, extra virgin
– **Lemon Juice**: From 1/2 lemon
#### Shawarma Spice Blend
– **Ground Cumin**: 2 tsp
– **Smoked Paprika**: 2 tsp
– **Garlic Powder**: 2 tsp
– **Ground Coriander**: 1 tsp
– **Ground Cardamom**: 1 tsp
– **Ground Ginger**: 1 tsp
– **Ground Turmeric**: 1/2 tsp
– **Aleppo Pepper**: 1/2 tsp (optional)
– **Ground Cinnamon**: 1/4 tsp
– **Ground Cloves**: 1/4 tsp
#### Shawarma Dressing
– **Greek Yogurt**: 3/4 cup
– **Garlic**: 4 cloves, crushed
– **Tahini**: 2 tbsp
– **Lemon Juice**: 2 tbsp
– **Salt and Pepper**: To taste
#### Assembly
– **Romaine Lettuce**: 2 cups
– **Tomato**: 1 cup, cubed
– **Cucumber**: 1, sliced
– **Red Onion**: 1/2, sliced (optionally pickled)
– **Fresh Pita**: 4-8 pieces
### Directions
1. **Prepare the Spice Blend**: In a small bowl, mix together cumin, paprika, garlic powder, coriander, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, Aleppo pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, combine the spice mixture with olive oil and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and let marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.
3. **Make the Dressing**: While the chicken is marinating, combine yogurt, crushed garlic, tahini, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and chill in the refrigerator.
4. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and fully cooked.
5. **Serve**: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Present on a platter with shawarma dressing, salad, and pita, or fill the chicken into pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Optionally, char the sliced chicken in the pan for extra flavor before serving.
### What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern delight that entails marinating thin slices of meat, stacking them in a cone on a vertical rotisserie, and grilling them. The word “shawarma” means “turning,” representing the cooking technique. It is commonly offered as an economical street food, usually accompanied by garlic paste, pita bread, and fries.
### Tips for Crafting Shawarma
– **Spice Substitutes**: If you are missing some spices, think about getting a pre-made shawarma spice mix. While it may not taste exactly the same, it will still produce a delicious outcome.
– **No Vertical Rotisserie Necessary**: You can achieve shawarma flavors without a spit. Marinate your meat thoroughly and consider charring it in a pan for extra richness.
### Cooking Techniques
– **Stovetop**: Cook chicken in a cast iron pan for 3-4 minutes on each side.
– **Oven**: Bake at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, turning midway.
– **Air Fryer**: Air fry at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
– **Grill**: Grill on medium-high for 3-4 minutes on each side.
### Serving Suggestions
Present shawarma inside a pita or on a plate with rice and salad. Don’t forget the dressing, as it elevates the dish’s overall flavor.
### Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
– **Calories**: 641
– **Fat**: 28.4g (44% DV)
– **Cholesterol**