CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Thinly sliced marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served in a warm pita bread or flatbread with a creamy tahini sauce and fresh vegetables. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal option. Chicken Shawarma can be a part of a balanced Indian weight loss diet when enjoyed in moderation.
INGREDIENTS
For the marinade:
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
For serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade and mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 15 minutes before grilling.
Grill the chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and let it rest for a few minutes.
Warm the pita bread or flatbread on the grill or in a pan.
To assemble, spread some of the tahini sauce on the warmed pita bread or flatbread. Add the grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, and chopped fresh parsley.
Roll up the bread tightly, enclosing the fillings.
TIPS
- You can add a pinch of ground cardamom or sumac to the marinade for additional flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
- Feel free to customize the toppings and add your favorite vegetables, such as lettuce or pickles.
- For a low-carb option, you can wrap the chicken and toppings in lettuce leaves instead of using pita bread or flatbread.
- Serve the Chicken Shawarma with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 4-6g
