Chicken shawarma is not only a staple dish in the Middle East but also a popular lunch and dinner option worldwide. Featuring slow-roasted, succulent meat, fresh pickled vegetables, and creamy sauce, shawarma is easy to whip up any day of the week. At International Fresh Market, we have a shortcut recipe for a flavorful, halal-friendly shawarma that will keep everyone in your household happy and clamoring for more. Check out this simple recipe and pick up everything you need to make it at our halal grocery store.
What Is Shawarma?
Shawarma is thin-sliced meat, traditionally roasted on a spit and often served as street fare. Shawarma can be made with almost any type of meat, including lamb, mutton, beef, and chicken. While you will find shawarma served at many special occasions and religious celebrations, it is equally easy to make at home with a few simple adjustments. A versatile weeknight meal that can go perfectly alongside any side dish, shawarma should be made with halal-certified meat for the best quality, as well as for religious observation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make chicken shawarma at home, you just need a few simple ingredients. Make a single list before heading to the store, and be sure to ask one of the friendly associates at International Fresh Market if you have any questions.
For the chicken marinade, you will need:
- Halal chicken thighs or breasts
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Shawarma spice blend (or individual spices: cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon)
- Salt & pepper
Our chicken shawarma recipe features a flavorful yogurt sauce. For the sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Plain yogurt
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional: dill, mint, or parsley)
For the pickled veggies, pick up:
- Carrots, cucumbers, and red onions
- Vinegar
- Sugar & salt
- Water
For assembly, add the following items to your list:
- Flatbreads or pita
- Lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- Fresh herbs or hot sauce for topping
Adjust the ingredients as necessary to suit the crowd you’re cooking for, and always try to source the freshest vegetables and bread. This will make all the difference in the final product.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make chicken shawarma, marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices, garlic, oil, and lemon juice. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade and allow to sit for at least one hour or up to overnight. While the chicken is marinating, make the pickled vegetables. Slice the veggies thinly and place them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Let them sit for 30 – 60 minutes.
Cook the chicken by grilling or pan-searing the chicken thighs or breasts. It should be cooked through and slightly charred when done. Slice the chicken into thin strips for wrapping. You can prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing the lemon juice, yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Finally, assemble the shawarma wraps. Warm the flatbread or pita bread, and fill the bread with chicken, pickled veggies, yogurt sauce, and any desired extras, like lettuce or hot sauce. Wrap them tightly and serve immediately!
Why Shop at International Fresh Market
When you want to shop with confidence, head to International Fresh Market. As a one-stop shop for authentic global ingredients, including halal-certified meats, fresh produce, and international spices, we allow you the space to explore new flavors and meals with confidence. Our fresh ingredients can make all the difference in your meals and help ensure you are feeding yourself and your family only the best.
Visit Our Halal Grocery Store for Shawarma Staples
Experiment with different combinations for your chicken shawarma and see how easy it can be to create a fabulous, flavorful weeknight meal. You could even pair summer flavors like mint lemonade and tahini salad with your shawarma main dish for a complete, festive experience. Visit us at International Fresh Market for everything you need to make these and other delicious global recipes.
