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Chicken Shawarma

Succulent and deeply flavorful, chicken shawarma is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prep for busy days ahead.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs or a mix of the two

Marinade

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 50 ml juice of 1 lemon
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Whisk together thoroughly until you achieve a cohesive marinade.
  • Step 2: Add the boneless, skinless chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight.
  • Step 3: If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C).
  • Step 4: For the grill: Place the marinated chicken directly onto the grill grates, and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For the oven: Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and browned.
  • Step 5: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender chicken.
  • Step 6: Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken thinly. Serve it in wraps, on salads, or with your favorite side dishes. Drizzle with tahini sauce or a garlic yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill or Oven

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If using chicken breasts, consider using a meat mallet to pound them slightly for even cooking. Experiment with different spices to customize the marinade to your taste. Consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after cooking for a fresh touch.