Preparing chicken shawarma at home in a simple and quick way is an ideal option for a delicious and nutritious lunch at work, as well as for kids’ sandwiches. Shawarma can be made easily with ingredients available at home and customized to suit personal preferences. Here is a detailed chicken shawarma recipe:
- Ingredients:
-For the Shawarma:
- 500 grams chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 4 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of chili powder (optional)
For the Sandwiches:
- Arabic bread or tortilla wraps
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Pickled cucumbers, sliced
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- French fries (optional)
- Garlic sauce or tahini sauce to enhance the flavor
-Preparation Method:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a deep bowl, mix the yogurt with lemon juice and olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt). If you prefer a spicy flavor, you can add a pinch of chili powder. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the sliced chicken in the marinade and ensure that all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to fully absorb the flavors.
3. Cook the Shawarma:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or grill over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and then place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes per batch, flipping the pieces regularly to ensure even cooking.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the tortilla wraps or Arabic bread and spread some garlic sauce or tahini sauce on the bread according to your preference. Add slices of tomato, pickles, and lettuce on top. After that, add the cooked shawarma pieces. For an extra crunch, you can add some French fries inside the sandwich.
5. Wrap the Sandwiches:
If you're preparing the sandwiches to take to work or for your kids at school, wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil or wax paper to keep them warm and soft. Place them in a sealed lunchbox to maintain freshness.
-Additional Tips:
- Perfect Marinade: For the best flavor, leave the chicken in the marinade overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bread Variety: You can use different types of bread like Saj bread or pita bread according to your preference.
- Extra Vegetables: In addition to tomatoes and lettuce, you can add grilled onions or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
-Shawarma for Kids:
When making shawarma for your kids, be sure to reduce or omit any spicy ingredients. You can also serve the sandwiches in a fun way, such as cutting them into star or circle shapes using sandwich cutters to make the meal more appealing to children.
This quick and easy method allows you to prepare delicious and healthy shawarma at home. You will have satisfying sandwiches perfect for lunch or dinner, and they also make great options for snacks or kids' school sandwiches.
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