Name: Juicy Shawarma Chicken: 5 Bold Flavors, Easy Prep Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Juicy Shawarma Chicken recipe brings together five bold, aromatic flavors with easy preparation. Marinated in a fragrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and traditional Middle Eastern spices, the chicken thighs are grilled or pan-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish promises juicy, flavorful chicken served with your favorite pita bread and toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s nicely heated before cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with a nicely charred exterior.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it with warm pita bread and your choice of toppings such as garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer, up to overnight, enhances the flavor even more.
For a healthier option, remove chicken skin before marinating.
If you don’t have a grill, a skillet or grill pan works just as well.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to preference.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicier meat.