Bring warmth and spice to your holiday table with this homemade Chicken Shawarma! This Middle Eastern classic, made with aromatic spices and tender chicken thighs, is a wonderful, festive addition that will wow your guests. The marinated chicken is oven-baked to perfection, filling your kitchen with the tantalizing scent of cumin, cinnamon, and coriander—a seasonal aroma that brings coziness and joy. 🍋🔥
Paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce, this Chicken Shawarma is versatile and easy to customize. Serve it on warmed pitas with fresh tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite. 🥙🎉
Set up a shawarma station with an array of toppings, letting everyone create their own wraps. It’s a fun, interactive meal that adds a unique touch to your Christmas festivities. Gather around, enjoy, and let this shawarma bring a taste of tradition and warmth to your holiday celebration! 🌟
🎄 Chicken Shawarma Recipe 🌯
Servings: 4-6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 kcal
Ingredients
For the Shawarma Marinade:
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (about 6 pieces)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk well to create the marinade.
- Add Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Add the thinly sliced onion to the marinated chicken and toss to coat.
- Bake: Spread the chicken and onions evenly on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven, then slice thinly for serving.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the sliced chicken shawarma on warmed pita bread with a generous drizzle of yogurt sauce.
- Add fresh toppings such as chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, or pickled red onions for a festive, colorful presentation.
🎅 Notes & Variations
- Healthier Twist: Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Additional Toppings: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or a handful of pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist.
- Make It a Shawarma Bowl: Serve over a bed of rice or salad greens instead of in a pita for a lighter option.
This Chicken Shawarma brings warmth, flavor, and holiday cheer to any meal, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy a touch of the exotic this Christmas! 🎄