By Eniolá Abdulroqeeb Arówólò
This Middle Eastern delight promises a symphony of aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and vibrant toppings all wrapped up in a warm embrace of pita bread.
With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be bringing the authentic taste of shawarma straight to your table. Let’s embark on a culinary escapade that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour!
Ingredients:
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– Plain yogurt
– Garlic, minced
– Ground cumin
– Ground coriander
– Ground paprika
– Ground turmeric
– Ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– White vinegar
– Juice of lemon
– Fresh pita bread
– Toppings: cucumber, tomato, red onion, tahini sauce
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
– In a bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
– Cut chicken thighs into thin strips and add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
– Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
2. Preheat and Skewer:
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
3. Bake the Chicken:
– Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
– In a small bowl, mix olive oil, white vinegar, and lemon juice. This will be used as a drizzle for the shawarma.
5. Assemble the Shawarma:
– Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet.
– Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it on the pita bread.
– Add sliced cucumber, tomato, and red onion on top of the chicken.
6. Drizzle and Serve:
– Drizzle the prepared sauce over the assembled shawarma.
– Optionally, add a dollop of tahini sauce for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy:
– Roll up the pita bread to form the shawarma wrap and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken shawarma!
This recipe captures the authentic flavors of chicken shawarma, bringing the taste of the Middle East to your kitchen.