Irresistible Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sizable chicken breasts (1.25 lbs, $3.21*)
- ½ cup unflavored Greek yogurt ($0.52)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ($0.04)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves) ($0.18)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ($0.04)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano ($0.07)
- ½ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ($0.03)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ($0.03)
- ¾ cup unflavored Greek yogurt ($0.78)
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic (1 clove) ($0.06)
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill ($0.03)
- ¼ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
- ½ head of romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and chopped, $1.07)
- ½ medium cucumber (sliced, $0.38)
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (sliced, $0.64)
- ¼ red onion (sliced, $0.31)
- 4 pieces of naan (or pita or flatbread, $2.64**)
Instructions
Step 1
Before we get started with making our delicious chicken shawarma, let’s make sure you have everything you need on hand. Gather your chicken thighs, spices like cumin and paprika, garlic, and any toppings you love, such as fresh vegetables or tahini sauce. Don’t forget your pita bread or rice for serving! Once you have all your ingredients laid out, take a moment to admire your spread. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment just by prepping your space! Now that we’re all set, let’s move on to the next step in our shawarma adventure.
Step 2
To create a delicious marinade for your chicken shawarma, start by gathering a small bowl and adding in ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt. Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon, then add in minced garlic, a sprinkle of cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Using a whisk or a fork, stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want to see a lovely, creamy consistency that beautifully blends the flavors together. This marinade is the heart of your dish, so take a moment to admire that vibrant mix before moving on!
Step 3
To get started on marinating your chicken, first, take your chicken breasts and slice them into 1-inch-thick strips. This size helps the marinade to penetrate deeper, ensuring each bite is deliciously seasoned. Once you’ve cut the chicken, place the strips in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together your marinade ingredients, which typically include yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite spices. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or if you have the time, up to a few hours. This will allow the flavors to meld and really infuse into the chicken. When you’re ready to cook, you’ll notice how aromatic and tender the chicken is, setting the stage for a fantastic meal!
Step 4
To start marinating your chicken, place it in a gallon ziptop bag or a medium mixing bowl. Next, pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. This is an essential step, as the marinade is packed with flavor that will infuse the meat. Once everything is mixed together nicely, seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you have time, letting it soak for up to 24 hours will deepen those delicious flavors even more. Just think about how good it will taste after soaking up all that goodness!
Step 5
While your chicken is soaking up all those delicious marinade flavors, it’s the perfect time to whip up a refreshing yogurt sauce to go with it. Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and add in ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt. Next, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and toss them into the bowl along with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill (or about a teaspoon of dried dill if you don’t have fresh on hand). Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to taste. Now, take a whisk and mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This shouldn’t take more than a minute. Once it's all blended, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the flavors meld while the chicken marinates, and you’ll have a delightful sauce ready to complement your shawarma when it’s time to serve!
Step 6
Once you’ve marinated your chicken to perfection, it’s time to bring that flavor to life on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F, to ensure you get a nice sear. If you’re using an indoor tabletop grill like I do, it may take a few minutes to reach the right temperature. Now, place the marinated chicken on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd it. Grill the chicken for about 7 minutes on one side; you want it to develop a beautiful golden brown crust. After the initial cooking time, flip the chicken carefully using tongs, and grill for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. , that juicy, tender chicken is worth the wait!
Step 7
Before you take the chicken off the grill, let’s make sure it’s perfectly cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should hit at least 160℉. Don’t worry if it’s not there yet—just give it a few more minutes on the grill. Once it reaches that safe temperature, take the chicken off the heat and place it on a clean plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial because the temperature will rise to a safe 165℉, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender. After it’s had a moment to relax, you’re ready to slice it up and enjoy!
Step 8
To make a delicious wrap sandwich, start by laying out your flatbread on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of yogurt sauce onto the center of the bread, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon—this will add a creamy tang that complements the chicken beautifully. Next, pile on your flavorful chicken and your choice of fresh vegetables, like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Be sure not to overfill, as you want to be able to roll it up neatly. Once everything is in place, carefully fold the sides of the flatbread inward, then roll it from the bottom up towards the top, tucking in the filling as you go to keep it secure. For an extra touch, you can wrap your finished sandwich in foil or parchment paper. This not only helps keep everything together while you enjoy it but also adds a nice touch of presentation. Now, take a moment to admire your creation before you dig in!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
For the juiciest chicken shawarma, let your marinated chicken strips sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if you can. This extra time allows the flavors from the yogurt and spices to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Leftovers
To store your leftover Chicken Shawarma, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to keep that delicious, juicy texture intact.
Make It Your Own
For a delightful twist, try swapping the chicken for marinated portobello mushrooms. Their meaty texture pairs beautifully with the spices, and you can still use the Greek yogurt sauce for a creamy finish!
