How to Make Chicken Shawarma at Home!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make delicious Chicken Shawarma at home using a simple sheet-pan method. This easy recipe requires basic pantry ingredients and results in tender, flavorful chicken that you can enjoy in wraps or on its own. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Collect all the necessary ingredients to prepare your Chicken Shawarma and yogurt sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or mint)

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

To infuse your chicken with flavor, follow these steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.

Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the yogurt sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir in any optional herbs if desired.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve a nice char on the chicken, mimicking traditional shawarma cooking methods.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Follow these steps to cook the chicken:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet pan in a single layer.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the chicken is done roasting:

1. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
3. Serve with the yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, and your choice of toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickles.

Conclusion

Now you have a delicious homemade Chicken Shawarma ready to enjoy! This recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile, allowing you to customize your wraps with various toppings and sauces. Consider making extra chicken to enjoy in salads or grain bowls later. Happy cooking!