Picture this: a warm summer evening, the grill sizzling away, and the aroma of spices dancing through the air. This shawarma spiced grilled chicken is like a journey to a spice market, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. And don’t even get me started on the garlic yogurt — it’s like a creamy whisper that ties everything together.
Steps
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and place them in a resealable bag. Pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring the chicken is well-coated, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly across the grain.
- Serve the sliced chicken with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Ingredients
- Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 7 ounces 2% Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt dish at home.
Nutritional Values
Calories: 960 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 120 g | Fat: 44 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 300 mg | Sodium: 832 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- What is shawarma and how is it traditionally prepared?
- Shawarma is a popular street food from the Middle East, typically made by cooking a large piece of meat on a rotating spit and slicing it off in thin pieces. It can be prepared using chicken, beef, or lamb and is seasoned with a blend of spices.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this grilled chicken shawarma recipe. The thighs will provide a different texture and additional flavor.
- What are some alternative ways to cook the chicken if I don’t have a grill?
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even cook the chicken in an air fryer. For the air fryer, cook at 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- How can I modify the recipe if I need a dairy-free option?
- For a dairy-free variation, you can replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or use toppings like tahini or baba ganoush as an alternative.
- What are some serving suggestions for grilled chicken shawarma?
- Grilled chicken shawarma can be served in various ways, such as over rice with garlic yogurt sauce, in a bowl with couscous and vegetables, wrapped in pita or naan, or as a topping for a Greek salad.
Tips
- Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the marinade by massaging it thoroughly. For the best flavor, marinate for at least an hour, but allowing it to sit overnight will enhance the taste even more.
- Grill to Perfection: To prevent the chicken from sticking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s fully cooked, then let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices before slicing.
- Adapt to Your Preferences: Feel free to switch up the recipe by using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Also, if you’re in the mood for some heat, consider adding harissa to the yogurt sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creative Serving Options: Besides serving with rice, you can create a Mediterranean bowl with couscous and veggies or make wraps using pita bread. Top with the garlic yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: If you don’t already have an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan, you might consider purchasing one for grilling the chicken.
- Air Fryer: If you prefer using an air fryer for cooking the chicken instead of grilling, this might be an item to buy.
- Meat Pounder: A tool to evenly pound the chicken breasts to the desired thickness.
- Ziploc Bags: For marinating the chicken, if not already available.
