Easy Chicken Shawarma
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
8 hrs 20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
8 hrs 35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, American
Easy Chicken Shawarma
Description
Chicken shawarma is prepared by marinating boneless, skinless chicken pieces in a blend of citrus, aromatic spices, and oil, resulting in tender meat with a smoky, slightly spicy flavor profile. The marinade includes coriander and cumin for earthiness, smoked paprika for warmth, and cayenne for mild heat, balanced by bright lemon juice.
The chicken is cooked over medium-high heat on a grill or broiler until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Accompanying the chicken is a garlicky yogurt sauce that adds creaminess and tang, complementing the spices. The red cabbage slaw provides crunch and freshness with parsley and a lemony vinaigrette.
Serving the dish with warm flatbread or pita alongside diced tomatoes and cucumber allows assembly of wraps or plates, providing a balanced meal with fresh and cooked elements. The recipe includes options for oven broiling if outdoor grilling is unavailable.
Notes include nutrition considerations, alternative cooking methods, and a suggested homemade flatbread recipe to enhance the meal experience.
Ingredients
Chicken + Marinade:
- ¼ cup lemon juice fresh
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt I use coarse, kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper I use coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper use more if you want more heat
- 3 pounds chicken breast or chicken thighs, boneless skinless
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 garlic finely minced, or a hefty pinch of garlic powder, clove
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Quick Cabbage Slaw:
- 5-6 cups red cabbage 1 small head of cabbage or 1/2 head of large cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh, or red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt I use coarse, kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
For Serving:
- flatbread or pita bread (see note
- diced tomatoes
- cucumber diced
Instructions
- For the chicken, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, garlic, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or in a gallon-size ziploc bag. Add the marinade and rub over the chicken to make sure each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
- For the yogurt sauce, whisk together all the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use (can be made up to several days in advance).
- For the cabbage, place the cabbage and parsley in a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt and pepper. Pour over the cabbage and toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve (can be made several hours in advance). Season to taste with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Preheat an outdoor grill (see recipe note for cooking in an oven) to medium- or medium-high. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees at the thickest part of the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes or so before slicing.
- Serve the chicken with the flatbread, yogurt sauce, cabbage slaw, diced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Notes
- Chicken can be cooked inside using a stove skillet or oven broiler if outdoor grilling is not possible; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- The yogurt sauce can be made up to several days ahead and refrigerated to develop flavors.
- Red cabbage slaw can be prepared several hours in advance; toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Use homemade flatbread or pita bread to serve the shawarma as wraps or with side vegetables for a complete meal.
- Marinate chicken for at least 8 hours, up to 24, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 441kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 53g | 106% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 147mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 974mg | 41% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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