Chicken Shawarma is a cultural icon that is known for its mouthwatering flavors. Originally, the dish hail from the bustling streets of the Middle East. This dish has gained fame worldwide for its delightful blend of spices and tender grilled chicken. In this recipe, we’ll bring the essence of this beloved street food to your kitchen. Get ready to savor the rich taste of homemade Shawarma wrapped in warm pita bread.
Shawarma with Pita Bread: A Twist to the finger-licking experience
4
servings20
minutes20
minutesShawarma, a Middle Eastern delicacy, is famous for its succulent, thinly sliced chicken, often cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor. Marinated with a secret blend of spices, it’s grilled until tender and served in warm pita bread. What’s fascinating is that each region in the Middle East has its own twist on the recipe, adding to its cultural diversity and global appeal. It’s a versatile dish enjoyed as a quick street food snack or a hearty meal.
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Ingredients
- For Marinating the Chicken
500 grams of chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground paprika
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembling
Pita bread (as needed)
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Sliced onions
Lettuce leaves
- For Sauces
Tahini sauce
Yogurt-based sauce
Garlic sauce (optional)
Directions
- Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 500 grams of thinly sliced chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken slices onto skewers or place them directly on the grill.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have beautiful grill marks.
- Preparing the Pita Bread
- While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are slightly toasted and pliable.
- Assembling the Shawarma
- Remove the grilled chicken from the skewers and place them on a serving plate.
- Place a warm pita bread on a flat surface. Spoon some of the grilled chicken onto the center of the pita.
- Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce leaves to your liking.
- Drizzle your favorite sauce over the chicken and toppings. Common choices include tahini sauce, yogurt-based sauce, or garlic sauce (if desired).
- Rolling and Serving
- Fold the sides of the pita bread over the chicken and toppings, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a wrap.
Quick Notes
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.
- Grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked and has those enticing grill marks.
- Briefly toast the pita bread on the grill for a minute or two on each side.
- Add your favorite toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce for freshness and texture.
- Drizzle tahini sauce, yogurt-based sauce, or garlic sauce over your shawarma for that extra burst of flavor.
- When assembling, roll the shawarma tightly from the bottom to keep all the delicious fillings inside.
- Serve your Shawarma right away for the most mouthwatering experience.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices and sauces to make it your own signature shawarma.
