Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East? Look no further than homemade chicken shawarma! This beloved dish, characterized by its succulent marinated chicken and aromatic spices, is surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Forget expensive takeout – with this recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shawarma without the hefty price tag or the need to leave your home. We'll guide you through creating perfectly tender chicken infused with a rich blend of traditional spices.
Forget complicated techniques and long preparation times; this recipe simplifies the process, making delicious chicken shawarma achievable for even the busiest home cook. From the initial marination to the final, perfectly crisp grilling, we'll walk you through every step, ensuring a mouthwatering result. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Blender
- Pan
- Measuring cup
- Tongs
- Butter paper
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken: 300 grams
- Garlic-ginger paste: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon (to taste)
- Chaat masala: 1 teaspoon
- Corn flour (or cornstarch): 3 tablespoons
- Cooking oil: 1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons
- Egg: 1/2
- Yellow food color: a pinch (optional)
- Mayonnaise: 1 1/2 cups
- White vinegar: 3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons
- White sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves: 3-4
- Red crushed chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken powder: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Red chilies: 8-9
- Hot water: enough to soften chilies
- Cream vinegar: 2-3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium
- Carrot: 1 medium
- Capsicum: 1 small
- Cabbage: 1 cup
- Tomato: 1
- Cucumber: 1
- Coriander: some
- Pita bread
- Coal
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken
- Cut boneless chicken into small slices.
- Marinate chicken with garlic-ginger paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, black pepper powder, salt, chaat masala, corn flour, half an egg, and optional food coloring. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Fry marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, ensuring they are cooked through.
Step 2. Prepare the Sauces and Salad
- Prepare white sauce by blending mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, sesame seeds, cooking oil, garlic, red chili powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and optional chicken powder.
- Adjust consistency by adding more vinegar if needed.
- Prepare red sauce by softening red chilies in hot water, then blending them with garlic, salt, and cream vinegar.
- Prepare salad by sautéing garlic, then adding chopped onion, carrot, capsicum, cabbage, tomato, and cucumber. Season with red chili powder, black pepper, salt, white vinegar, and soy sauce. Add coriander at the end.
Step 3. Prepare the Pita Bread
- Toast pita bread until lightly golden brown.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve the Shawarma
- Spread white sauce on pita bread, add red sauce, chicken, salad, and more white sauce. Wrap and tie.
Read more: Arabic Eggplant Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Guide
Tips
- You can use cornstarch instead of corn flour.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and chili powder according to your preference.
- If you don't have chicken powder, you can skip it.
- Store the white sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Don't overcook the vegetables for the salad.
- For a smoky flavor, add a heated coal with a few drops of oil to the salad and cover for one minute.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, marinate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. The longer, the better!
3. What can I serve with my chicken shawarma?
Shawarma is delicious served in pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, onions, and pickles. You can also serve it with rice or a side salad.
With this recipe, you’ve unlocked the secret to creating restaurant-quality chicken shawarma right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of making this beloved dish from scratch. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound shawarma expertise!