Shawarma
Shawarma is a Levantine meat preparation where thin slices of lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, or beef are stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical spit. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off the spit and served on pita bread or in a wrap with various toppings.
Shawarma originated in the Middle East centuries ago and has since become a popular street food around the world. The name "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word "çevirme," which means "turning." This refers to the way the meat is cooked on a rotating spit.
Shawarma Shawarma Shawarma Shawarma
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Ground coriander
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Heat the pita bread in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
  7. Fill the pita bread with the sliced chicken, your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  • Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and juicy.
  • Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
  • Heating the pita bread in a skillet helps to make it soft and pliable, making it easier to fill with the sliced chicken and toppings.