Chicken Shawarma: A Saucy Shawarma At Home Recipe Inspired By Kerala Flavors

I’ve tried making it at home before, but it never quite tasted the same as the ones I’ve had from street vendors. That was until I stumbled upon a recipe that used Keralainspired flavors, which completely changed the game for me.

What I love about chicken shawarma is the way it brings people together. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or sitting down with friends to share a plate, it’s always a good time.

And the best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, which is why I’m excited to share my simple recipe with you. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create your own delicious chicken shawarma that’s sure to impress.

In this recipe, I’ll be sharing my take on chicken shawarma, which combines the classic Middle Eastern flavors with a hint of Kerala spice. You’ll learn how to marinate the chicken, cook it to perfection, and assemble the shawarma with all the fixings.

By the end of this post, you’ll be a pro at making chicken shawarma at home, and you’ll have a new goto recipe to add to your collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for chicken shawarma is special because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The Keralainspired flavors add a unique twist to the traditional recipe, which sets it apart from other versions you may have tried.

Plus, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, with extra sauce or without, this recipe is versatile and accommodating.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this delicious chicken shawarma recipe:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast this is the protein that will be marinated and cooked to perfection

1/2 cup plain yogurt this helps to tenderize the chicken and add a tangy flavor

2 tablespoons lemon juice this adds a burst of citrus flavor and helps to balance the spices

1 tablespoon ghee or oil this is used for cooking the chicken and adding a rich flavor

2 cloves garlic, minced this adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the dish

1 teaspoon grated ginger this adds a warm, spicy flavor and helps to aid digestion

1 teaspoon cumin powder this adds a earthy, warm flavor and helps to bring the spices together

1 teaspoon coriander powder this adds a slightly sweet, citrusy flavor and helps to balance the spices

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper this adds a spicy kick and helps to add depth to the dish

1/2 teaspoon salt this enhances the flavors and helps to bring the dish together

1/4 teaspoon black pepper this adds a sharp, peppery flavor and helps to balance the spices

4 pita breads these are used to assemble the shawarma and add a crunchy texture

Chopped veggies (onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce) these add a fresh, crunchy texture and help to balance the richness of the chicken

Tahini sauce (storebought or homemade) this adds a creamy, tangy flavor and helps to bring the dish together

Why These Ingredients

Chicken Breast

The chicken breast is the star of the show in this recipe, and it’s what makes the shawarma so tender and juicy. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breast because it’s easier to work with and cooks more evenly.

You can also use thighs if you prefer, but breast meat is traditional in shawarma.

The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, which helps to tenderize it and add flavor. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and easier to chew.

I like to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it for up to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Yogurt and Lemon Juice

The yogurt and lemon juice are used to marinate the chicken, and they add a tangy, creamy flavor to the dish. The yogurt helps to tenderize the meat, while the lemon juice adds a burst of citrus flavor and helps to balance the spices.

I like to use plain yogurt because it’s easier to work with and doesn’t have any added flavors that might affect the dish. You can also use Greek yogurt if you prefer, but plain yogurt is traditional in shawarma.

Spices

The spices are what give the shawarma its unique flavor and aroma, and they’re what set it apart from other dishes. I like to use a combination of cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to add depth and warmth to the dish.

The cumin and coriander add a earthy, slightly sweet flavor, while the cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick. The salt and black pepper help to balance the flavors and add a sharp, peppery taste.

Instructions

Let me walk you through every step of making this delicious chicken shawarma recipe:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and mix until it’s coated in the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken preheat a grill or grill pan to mediumhigh heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 57 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and slightly charred.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Assemble the Shawarma warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips and add it to the pita bread, along with your favorite veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How To Serve

I love serving this chicken shawarma with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of hummus or baba ganoush for a more authentic Middle Eastern experience.

Some other ideas for serving include:

Serving it in a bowl with a side of quinoa or brown rice

Adding some pickled veggies or turnips for a tangy, crunchy texture

Serving it with a side of grilled or roasted veggies for a healthier option

Using it as a topping for a salad or wrap

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

If you’re planning to eat the shawarma within a few hours, you can store it at room temperature. Simply wrap the pita bread in foil and store it in a cool, dry place.

The chicken and veggies can be stored in a separate container and reheated when you’re ready to eat.

Refrigerator

If you’re not planning to eat the shawarma for a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the pita bread in foil and store it in the fridge, along with the chicken and veggies.

When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the shawarma.

Freezer

If you want to freeze the shawarma, you can cook the chicken and veggies, then assemble the shawarma and freeze it. Simply wrap the pita bread in foil and store it in a freezersafe bag or container.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the shawarma overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

One of the most important things when making chicken shawarma is to use fresh ingredients. This means using fresh veggies, fresh herbs, and highquality spices.

The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor will be.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

It’s easy to overcook the chicken when making shawarma, but this can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through, then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.

This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.

Experiment with Different Spices

One of the best things about making chicken shawarma is that you can experiment with different spices and flavors. Try adding some cumin or coriander to the marinade, or using different types of peppers or spices.

This will help you to create a unique flavor that’s all your own.

Use HighQuality Pita Bread

The pita bread is a crucial component of the shawarma, and using highquality bread can make all the difference. Look for bread that’s fresh and soft, with a slightly crispy crust.

This will help the shawarma to hold together and add texture and flavor.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative when making chicken shawarma. Try adding different toppings or fillings, such as hummus or tabbouleh.

You can also experiment with different types of meat or veggies, such as lamb or beef. The possibilities are endless, and the more you experiment, the more you’ll discover new flavors and combinations that you love.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for chicken shawarma, and that you’ll give it a try at home. With its unique blend of spices and flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy and savory, or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.