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Shawarma Chicken

Savory Shawarma Chicken: Quick and Juicy Weeknight Winner

This Shawarma Chicken combines spiced chicken with Middle Eastern flavors for a quick and healthy dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Use freshly squeezed for the best taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Optional.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs Preferred over breasts for tenderness.

Equipment

  • Baking Tray
  • Grill
  • Large Bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Juicy Shawarma Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally let it marinate overnight for deeper flavors.
  2. When you're ready to cook the Juicy Shawarma Chicken, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. Alternatively, heat your grill to medium-high. This ensures that your cooking method will deliver juicy, flavorful chicken. Prepping your workspace with necessary equipment is essential for a smooth cooking process.
  3. If baking, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a golden brown exterior. For grilling, cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until well-charred and cooked through.
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the shawarma chicken remains tender and juicy.
  5. After resting, slice the warm Shawarma Chicken against the grain to enhance tenderness and presentation. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Marination time matters; a longer marination allows flavors to deepen, but at least 1 hour works if you're short on time. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F to avoid dryness.

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