Learn The Secret Recipe For How To Make Chicken Shawarma Restaurant Style – It’s Easier Than You Think!

Craving that tantalizing, juicy, and flavorful chicken shawarma from your favorite restaurant? With this step-by-step guide, you can recreate the mouthwatering experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The key to authentic chicken shawarma lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning (or a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparing the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips.
2. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, shawarma seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Creating the Shawarma Cone

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers, leaving about 1/2 inch between each piece.
3. Arrange the skewers upright in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Roasting the Shawarma

1. Roast the shawarma in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
2. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Making the Shawarma Sauce

While the shawarma is roasting, prepare the creamy sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Simply whisk all the ingredients together until smooth.

Assembling the Shawarma

To assemble the shawarma, you’ll need:

• Pita bread or tortillas
• Shawarma meat
• Shawarma sauce
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles)

1. Warm the pita bread or tortillas in the oven or microwave.
2. Spread the shawarma sauce on the warm bread.
3. Top with sliced shawarma meat and your desired toppings.
4. Roll up and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Shawarma

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers when roasting to ensure even cooking.
• Roast until the chicken is slightly browned for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with warm pita bread or tortillas.

The Art of Garnishing

Garnishing your shawarma is an essential part of the experience. Consider adding:

• Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley)
• Sliced vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, onions, cucumbers)
• Pickled vegetables (e.g., turnips, carrots)
• Lemon wedges

The Final Touch: Enjoying Your Shawarma

Take a bite of your homemade chicken shawarma and let the flavors explode in your mouth. Enjoy the tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings. It’s a taste of the Middle East that will transport you to a bustling street food market.

Beyond Conclusion: The Shawarma Experience

The beauty of chicken shawarma lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility. It’s a dish that can be customized to your preferences. Experiment with different marinades, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique shawarma experience.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be drier than thighs.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, but 30 minutes is the minimum for optimal flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have skewers?
A: You can roast the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with foil. Just be sure to flip them halfway through cooking.

Q: Can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can roast the shawarma and make the sauce ahead of time. Assemble the shawarma just before serving.

Q: What are some good toppings for shawarma?
A: Some popular toppings include tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles, hummus, and tahini sauce.