Middle Eastern > Syrian > Chicken

Syrian Spicy Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4-6 pita breads
- Toppings: sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, chopped parsley, hot sauce

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill pan or skewers on medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken strips onto skewers or place them on the grill pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
5. Warm pita bread in the oven or on the grill pan for a few minutes.
6. To assemble, place a few chicken strips on each pita bread and top with sliced tomatoes, onions, chopped parsley, and hot sauce.
7. Serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cooking time: 10-14 minutes
Temperature:
Grill pan or skewers on medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs or beef.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with tahini sauce or hummus.

Variations:
- Add sliced cucumbers, pickles, or shredded lettuce to the toppings.
- Use different spices or herbs for the marinade, such as turmeric, sumac, or oregano.
- Make a vegetarian version by using grilled vegetables or falafel instead of chicken.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Make extra marinade and use it as a salad dressing or dipping sauce.

Storage instructions:
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve chicken shawarma on a platter with pita bread, toppings, and sauces on the side.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of tabbouleh salad or hummus and pita chips.

Suggested side dishes:
Tabbouleh salad, hummus and pita chips, or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If chicken is sticking to the grill pan, brush it with a little bit of oil before cooking.
- If chicken is dry, marinate it for longer or add a little bit of yogurt to the marinade.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash hands and surfaces before and after handling raw meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.

Food history:
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that originated in the Ottoman Empire. It is typically made with meat that is marinated and then grilled on a vertical spit.

Flavor profiles:
This Syrian Spicy Chicken Shawarma is savory, spicy, and tangy with a hint of smokiness from the grill.

Serving suggestions:
Serve chicken shawarma with pita bread, toppings, and sauces on the side for a DIY sandwich experience.

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Region: Syrian

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Aromatic, Herbal