Introduction
If you’re a fan of flavorful and exotic cuisine, you’ve probably heard of chicken shawarma. Maybe you’ve even tried it yourself! But for those of you who are new to this delightful dish, let us be your guide to the wonderful world of chicken shawarma.
Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern delicacy made from succulent chicken, marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and slowly roasted on a spit. It’s then thinly sliced and traditionally served with a variety of vegetables, sauces, and bread.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of chicken shawarma, its history and cultural significance, and even share some mouth-watering recipes you can try at home. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just love the taste of savory spices, this article is a must-read for any food lover.
Discovering the Delicious World of Chicken Shawarma: A Beginner’s Guide
So what is chicken shawarma, exactly? Let’s break it down.
First, the chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika to infuse it with flavor. The chicken is then slowly roasted on a spit and sliced off with a sharp knife as it cooks, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that’s crispy on the outside and explodes with flavor.
Chicken shawarma can be served in many ways, but it’s commonly wrapped in a pita or flatbread with toppings like pickles, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and sauces like hummus or tahini. You can also find it served over rice, in a salad, or even on a pizza!
Different countries have their own take on chicken shawarma, with variations in spice blends, sauces, and toppings. Lebanese-style shawarma, for example, usually includes sumac and allspice in the marinade and is served with garlic paste, pickled turnips, and parsley. In Turkey, it’s common to see shawarma served with a yogurt sauce, tomato, and a spicy pepper paste.
If you’re new to chicken shawarma, here are some tips for ordering it at a restaurant:
- Ask for a sample before ordering to make sure you like the taste and spice level.
- Specify what type of bread or base you want (pita, lettuce wrap, etc.).
- Choose your toppings carefully, as they can greatly affect the flavor and texture.
- Ask for extra sauce on the side or a side of garlic or hummus to dip.
Exploring the History and Cultural Significance of Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries all across the Middle East and Mediterranean. Some say it originated in Turkey or Greece, where it was known as gyros. Others believe it first appeared in the Levant region, which includes Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
No matter its origin, what is clear is that chicken shawarma is a staple dish in many cultures throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. It’s often eaten as a street food or fast-casual dinner, and it’s popular during festivals and holidays.
In many parts of the world, shawarma has gained cultural significance and has become a symbol of national pride. In Israel, for example, the dish is extremely popular and has even been declared a “national sandwich.” In Lebanon, chicken shawarma is often served at weddings and family gatherings, bringing loved ones together through its delicious and comforting flavor.
5 Chicken Shawarma Recipes to Try at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen and want to try making chicken shawarma yourself, we have five different recipes for you to experiment with. These recipes offer a twist on the traditional recipe, giving you options to create unique and flavorful variations.
1. Classic Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all marinade ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight. Roast in the oven at 450°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice and serve over pita bread with desired toppings.
2. BBQ Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all marinade ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight. Roast on the grill or in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice and serve over salad greens or grilled vegetables.
3. Spicy Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all marinade ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight. Roast in the oven at 450°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice and serve over rice or in pita bread with desired toppings.
4. Curry Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all marinade ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight. Roast on the grill or in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice and serve over a bed of greens or in a wrap with your favorite toppings.
5. Greek-style Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all marinade ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight. Roast on the grill or in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice and serve over pita bread with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber.
Chicken Shawarma vs. Gyro: What’s the Difference?
While they may seem like similar dishes, there are some differences between chicken shawarma and gyros that set them apart.
For one, the meat used in gyros is typically pork or lamb, whereas chicken shawarma is made with chicken. Additionally, their spice blends and marinades are different, with gyro meat typically having a more herb-heavy flavor profile.
Both dishes are served with similar toppings, like tomato, onion, and yogurt-based sauces, but gyros are typically served in a wrap-style bread like a pita or flatbread, while chicken shawarma can be served in a variety of different ways.
A Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken Shawarma: Is it a Healthy Choice?
While chicken shawarma is undoubtedly a flavorful and delicious dish, it’s important to consider its nutritional content when deciding whether to indulge. Generally speaking, chicken shawarma is a relatively healthy choice, as long as you watch your portion sizes and toppings.
Skinless chicken breast, the leanest cut of chicken commonly used in shawarma, is a great source of protein with a low fat content. The addition of vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber can add fiber and additional vitamins to the dish.
However, things like the type of bread used (pita vs lettuce wrap), the amount of sauce, and the addition of high-calorie toppings like cheese or mayonnaise can greatly affect the nutritional content of a chicken shawarma dish.
A Gastronomical Tour of the Best Chicken Shawarma Places in the World
When it comes to finding the best chicken shawarma, there are many delicious options all around the world. Here are just a few of our favorites:
1. Al Halabi, Dubai
This popular restaurant in Dubai serves tender and juicy chicken shawarma with crispy fries and a variety of sauces and toppings.
2. Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant & Bar, Toronto
This upscale restaurant in Toronto specializes in modern Middle Eastern cuisine, including an incredible chicken shawarma plate that’s perfect for sharing.
3. Shawarma MBC, New York City
This beloved New York City food truck serves top-quality chicken shawarma with all the classic toppings and sauces, wrapped up in a warm pita.
4. Abu Shawarma, Athens
Located in the heart of Athens, this casual eatery is known for their delicious chicken shawarma packed in a warm pita with fresh veggies and their famous garlic sauce.
5. El Chamamé, Buenos Aires
Travel to Argentina and try this unique take on chicken shawarma, served with an Argentine twist and a side of chimichurri sauce.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a shawarma newbie or a die-hard fan, there’s no denying that this savory dish is a culinary delight. From its rich history and cultural significance to its endless variations and global popularity, chicken shawarma is a dish that truly has something for everyone.