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Delicious chicken shawarma recipe served in a wrap with toppings

Chicken Shawarma

A delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of the Middle East with juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and customizable toppings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Shawarma
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, or with skin for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin Imparts a warm, earthy flavor
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander Adds a hint of citrus
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced For a savory punch
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt Enhances all flavors
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil Gives the chicken a rich, crispy texture
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper For a touch of heat
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric Brings a vibrant color and subtle earthiness
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Adding warmth
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Infuses a bit of spice
  • 2 teaspoons allspice Rounds out the dish with its unique flavor profile

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a bowl or food processor, combine all the marinade ingredients—cumin, coriander, garlic, salt, olive oil, cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and allspice. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, ensuring it is coated well on all sides. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 20 minutes; refrigerate and marinate for up to 24-48 hours for maximum taste.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the marinated chicken, closing the lid of the barbecue. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side until you see beautiful grill marks.
  3. Once grilled, if the chicken is not fully cooked (aim for an internal temperature of 170°F), move it to a cooler part of the grill or finish cooking in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Alternatively, bake the chicken thighs in a 375°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or use a grill pan on the stovetop for a similar result.
Serving
  1. Serve your Chicken Shawarma with a refreshing Israeli salad, tabbouleh, Lebanese slaw, or as a sandwich topped with tahini yogurt, tzatziki, pita bread, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Notes

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The spices will penetrate deeper, making the chicken incredibly flavorful. Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences—add more cayenne for heat or extra garlic for richness. Consider serving with various toppings to suit everyone's taste, creating a fun, build-your-own Shawarma experience.