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Homemade Syrian Chicken Shawarma photo

Syrian Chicken Shawarma

This Syrian Chicken Shawarma is a flavor-packed delight! Juicy, marinated chicken with aromatic spices and creamy garlic sauce makes for a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 0.5 medium lemon juice
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon red bell pepper paste (or tomato paste)
  • 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
  • a few tablespoons water (to help blend)
  • 1/3 cup chickpeas water (aquafaba)
For the Garlic Sauce:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
To Serve:
  • a few tablespoons olive oil
  • Pickled cucumber slices
  • French fries

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Blender or food processor
  • Skillet or grill
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking:
  1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, yogurt, red bell pepper paste, and shawarma spice mix. Stir until well blended. Add your chicken, ensuring it is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and drizzle a few tablespoons of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Making the Garlic Sauce:
  1. While the chicken cooks, make the garlic sauce. In a blender, combine 4 cloves of garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and aquafaba. Blend until smooth, adding a few tablespoons of water if needed for consistency. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Assembling the Shawarma:
  1. To assemble your Syrian Chicken Shawarma, place the sliced chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Top with slices of pickled cucumber and serve alongside crispy French fries for that extra crunch.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.