Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Deluxe
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Deluxe recipe! This dish beautifully marries marinated chicken breasts with an array of spices, resulting in succulent and aromatic bites that take you on a culinary journey. While traditional shawarma is cooked on a rotisserie, our method allows you to achieve that authentic taste on a stovetop, making it accessible for home cooks. Serve this delicious chicken with warm pita bread, crisp pickles, fresh vegetables, and an optional drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt for a delightful meal that’s perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 (lbs, cut into long slim strips)
lemon
1 (juiced (keep the rind))
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
yogurt
3 (tablespoons)
tomato paste
1 (teaspoon)
ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
ground coriander
1 (teaspoon)
ground cardamom
2 (teaspoons)
pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
salt
1/2-1 (teaspoon, to taste)
Instructions
1
Cut the chicken breasts into long, slim strips (about 1 inch long) for optimal marinating and cooking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the following ingredients: the juice of the lemon (reserve the rind), olive oil, minced garlic cloves, yogurt, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, cardamom).
3
Add the reserved lemon rind to the marinade for extra flavor. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 24 hours. Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will enhance the flavors immensely, so be patient—it will be worth it!
5
On the day of cooking, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and drain off excess marinade.
6
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
7
Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8
Once cooked, remove from heat and serve warm as a mezze platter or in sandwiches, accompanied by thinly sliced onions, deseeded tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and freshly baked pita bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Deluxe?
It is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish consisting of marinated chicken breast strips seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked on a stovetop until succulent.
What cut of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of chicken breasts cut into long, slim strips.
How should the chicken be sliced?
The chicken should be cut into long, slim strips about 1 inch long for optimal marinating and even cooking.
What ingredients are in the shawarma marinade?
The marinade includes lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, yogurt, tomato paste, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cardamom.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best results, the chicken should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for 24 hours.
Why is the lemon rind included in the marinade?
The reserved lemon rind is added to the marinade to provide extra zest and flavor depth.
What spices are used for the authentic Middle Eastern flavor?
The recipe uses ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground cardamom as the primary aromatic spices.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is yogurt necessary for the marinade?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of yogurt are used to help tenderize the chicken and add creaminess to the marinade.
Do I need a rotisserie to cook this chicken?
No, this recipe is designed to achieve authentic results using a standard stovetop skillet or sauté pan.
How should I prepare the chicken just before cooking?
On the day of cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade.
What is the best heat setting for cooking the shawarma?
A large skillet or sauté pan should be heated over medium-high heat with a little olive oil.
How long does the chicken take to sauté?
The chicken typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook through and become golden brown.
Should I cook all the chicken at once?
It is best to add the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and has developed a nice golden-brown color on the outside.
What type of bread is traditionally served with this?
Warm pita bread is the traditional choice for serving chicken shawarma.
What fresh vegetables go well with this dish?
Thinly sliced onions and deseeded tomatoes are highly recommended accompaniments.
Are pickles included in the serving suggestions?
Yes, crunchy pickles provide a great textural and flavor contrast to the marinated chicken.
Can I serve this as a mezze platter?
Yes, the chicken can be served warm as part of a mezze platter alongside various dips and breads.
What sauces are suggested for drizzling?
A drizzle of tahini sauce or plain yogurt is suggested to complete the meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the chicken can marinate in advance and tastes great when served later.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of tomato paste for the marinade.
What amount of cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much coriander is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
What is the quantity of cardamom used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, depending on your taste.
Is the recipe accessible for beginners?
Yes, because it uses simple stovetop methods rather than a vertical rotisserie, it is very accessible for home cooks.
Can I use this chicken for sandwiches?
Absolutely, it is perfect for stuffing into pita bread to make traditional shawarma sandwiches.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory, aromatic, and slightly citrusy with a rich blend of Middle Eastern spices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe consists of 11 main ingredients including the chicken, base liquids, and individual spices.