Description
This Easy Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender, flavorful marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a blend of aromatic Middle Eastern spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, it pairs beautifully with tzatziki sauce for a delicious and authentic experience.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for marinade)
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground coriander, sweet paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, cardamom, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a fragrant marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a large gallon-size Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to ensure even coating. After marinating, drain excess marinade from the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and proper cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Brush the chicken thighs lightly with canola oil and season with additional salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the pieces are well-coated for grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them, turning occasionally, until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take about 10 minutes depending on your grill.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately. Pair with tzatziki sauce or your favorite accompaniments for an authentic and refreshing meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat for the best results.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to achieve grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Serve with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
- Tzatziki sauce complements the spices in the shawarma and adds a creamy, cool contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
