When you think of Mediterranean cuisine, one dish that comes to mind immediately is chicken shawarma. A beloved street food in many parts of the world, shawarma has gained worldwide popularity for its tender, flavorful chicken and the delicious garlic sauce that accompanies it. If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen, this chicken shawarma recipe is the perfect choice.
In this article, we will cover everything from a simple easy shawarma chicken recipe to variations using different cooking methods, such as the Chicken Shawarma Instant Pot. You’ll also get to know how to make a Mediterranean chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce, and explore side dishes that pair beautifully with the dish. Plus, we’ll share some cooking tips, including how to incorporate Greek yogurt to make the marinade more succulent.
What Is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that traditionally consists of seasoned, marinated chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The chicken is typically served with pita or flatbread, accompanied by fresh vegetables, and topped with garlic sauce or tahini. While shawarma is often made with lamb or beef, chicken is a popular choice for its lighter taste and tender texture.
Why Choose This Chicken Shawarma Recipe?
- Flavorful Marinade: The Greek yogurt in the marinade creates a creamy, tangy base that makes the chicken extra juicy. Combining the yogurt with spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric adds an incredible depth of flavor to the chicken.
- Easy Shawarma Chicken: This recipe is designed for simplicity. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, it’s easy to follow and requires no special equipment, other than an Instant Pot or a grill.
- Instant Pot Option: For busy days, the Chicken Shawarma Instant Pot method is a lifesaver. It cuts down on cooking time and results in a tender, perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Great Supper Ideas: Chicken shawarma makes a fantastic supper option for a weeknight meal, casual gathering, or a more formal Mediterranean dinner. It’s versatile enough to be served in wraps, bowls, or alongside a platter of rice and veggies.
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma
To make this Mediterranean chicken shawarma, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken marinade, the chicken itself, and a creamy garlic sauce:
Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): Chicken thighs are the preferred choice for shawarma because they’re juicy and tender, but chicken breasts can also be used.
- Greek yogurt: It helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the marinade.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for that classic shawarma flavor.
- Ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric: These spices give shawarma its signature warm, smoky flavor.
- Olive oil: Used to help bind the marinade and keep the chicken moist.
- Lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness to balance the richness of the yogurt and olive oil.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic cloves: The heart of the creamy garlic sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base.
- Lemon juice: For a little tang.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the sauce ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper: To season the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Shawarma
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. If you prefer extra garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic cloves to the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) to the marinade, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally, marinate for 4-6 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
3. Cooking the Chicken Shawarma
Option 1: Cooking in the Instant Pot
If you’re looking for a faster method, using an Instant Pot to cook chicken shawarma is an excellent choice. Here’s how to do it:
- Add the marinated chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs into the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs.
- Quick release: After the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Shred or serve whole: Shred the chicken with two forks or serve it whole on a platter.
Option 2: Grilling the Chicken
If you have the time and want to enhance the smoky flavor of the chicken, grilling it is a great option.
- Preheat your grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve the Chicken Shawarma
Once your chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your shawarma.
- Wrap it up: For a classic shawarma experience, warm some pita or flatbread and pile on the sliced chicken, a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce, and your favorite toppings, such as fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
- Serve it in bowls: Alternatively, you can serve the chicken in bowls with rice, a side of roasted vegetables, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.
Chicken Shawarma Side Dishes
No Mediterranean meal is complete without a few side dishes to complement the main course. Here are some ideas for sides that pair wonderfully with chicken shawarma:
- Hummus: A smooth, creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. It’s perfect for dipping pita bread.
- Tabbouleh: A fresh, herby salad made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and a lemony dressing.
- Fattoush: A crunchy, refreshing salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and crispy fried pita chips.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, eggplants, and zucchini make a great side to any Mediterranean meal.
- French Fries: A common pairing with shawarma, golden, crispy fries are perfect for dipping into the creamy garlic sauce.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Shawarma Twist
If you’re a fan of Jamie Oliver, you’ll appreciate his spin on chicken shawarma. Jamie Oliver often incorporates fresh ingredients and simple methods into his recipes, and his chicken shawarma is no different. He might suggest adding extra herbs like mint or cilantro to the marinade or serve it with a side of homemade flatbreads. The key takeaway from Jamie’s version is that shawarma doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
Schwarma Chicken Easy Tips
When preparing schwarma chicken easy, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Marinate well: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Cook the chicken properly: If you’re grilling, make sure the grill is hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in the flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients: The better the quality of your spices and produce, the better the final result.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to adjust the garlic and spice levels to suit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Chicken shawarma is a versatile and delicious dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Whether you’re looking for an easy shawarma chicken recipe for a weeknight supper or want to make it in the Instant Pot for a quicker meal, this dish offers a variety of options to suit every cooking style. Pair it with your favorite sides, like tabbouleh or grilled vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Mediterranean meal.
Next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful, try this chicken shawarma recipe and bring the tastes of the Middle East into your kitchen. Whether you go for the Chicken Shawarma With Creamy Garlic Sauce or opt for a more traditional version, you’re sure to enjoy a satisfying and tasty meal.
