Ret Soup
Introduction
Discover the exotic flavors of the Middle East with this delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its aromatic spices and tender grilled chicken, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. Serve it with a refreshing garlic sauce and a medley of fresh herbs for a perfect combination.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
5g ground cumin
5g ground coriander
5g smoked paprika
2g turmeric
2g ground cinnamon
2g cayenne pepper
5g salt
3g black pepper
60ml olive oil
60ml plain yogurt
20ml lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic Sauce:
100g Greek yogurt
20ml lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2g salt
2g black pepper
For Serving:
100g sliced cucumbers
100g cherry tomatoes, halved
50g chopped fresh parsley
50g chopped fresh mint
100g hummus
Flatbreads or pita bread
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the spice mixture.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
Add the olive oil, plain yogurt, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the spice mixture. Mix well until you have a smooth marinade that evenly incorporates all the ingredients.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side or until it is fully cooked through and has a nice char.
Step 5: Slice the Chicken
After grilling, allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips for serving.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
Serve the sliced chicken along with the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint. Add a generous dollop of the garlic sauce on top. Include hummus and warm flatbreads or pita bread on the side to complete the meal.
Notes
Note 1: Marinade Time
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
Note 2: Grilling Options
If you do not have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or in an oven.
Note 3: Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add a refreshing element to the dish; feel free to add more or substitute with other herbs you enjoy.
Note 4: Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is great for wraps or salads.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store any leftover Chicken Shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken and garlic sauce are cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. If already cooked, the sliced chicken can also be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
The Chicken Shawarma can be served in various ways. Create a colorful platter with warm flatbreads or pita, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a generous scoop of hummus. You can also wrap the chicken and toppings in the flatbread for a delicious sandwich or serve the components separately for a build-your-own-style meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chicken Shawarma with garlic sauce contains approximately:
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fat: 25g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sodium: 600mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Ingredient Substitutions
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these substitutes:
– Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey thighs for a leaner option.
– Yogurt: Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives such as almond or coconut yogurt.
– Olive Oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or another neutral oil.
– Spices: If you don’t have specific spices on hand, use a pre-made shawarma spice blend as an alternative.
– Fresh Herbs: Substitute the parsley and mint with cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of spices, yogurt, and olive oil allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Grilling
Grilling the marinated chicken over medium-high heat creates a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Ensure the grill is preheated before adding the chicken for optimal cooking.
Slicing
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture, ensuring each bite is tender. Slice into thin strips for an authentic shawarma presentation.
Making Garlic Sauce
Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving
Serve the sliced chicken on a platter with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, and a side of hummus. Pair with warm flatbreads or pita for a complete meal experience.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade or add additional spices such as chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in an oven preheated to 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Conclusion
Indulging in Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce and Fresh Herbs offers a delightful culinary experience that transports your taste buds straight to the Middle East. The aromatic spices combined with the tender chicken and refreshing garlic sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings a touch of exotic flair to your dining table. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this Chicken Shawarma is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Shawarma
Replace chicken with marinated grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Lamb Shawarma Tacos
Use seasoned ground lamb instead of chicken and serve in soft tacos, topped with garlic sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled onions for a fun twist.
Shawarma Bowl
Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of quinoa or rice, drizzled with garlic sauce and topped with fresh vegetables and herbs for a filling bowl meal.
Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Wrap the grilled chicken in a flatbread or pita, along with spicy pickles and extra garlic sauce for a flavorful and portable meal.
Shawarma Salad
Create a refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced chicken, and a light lemon-garlic dressing.
Chicken Shawarma Pizza
Use a flatbread or pizza crust and top it with garlic sauce, cheese, spiced chicken, and fresh herbs for a delicious fusion dish.
