Shawarma
This Egyptian chicken builds chicken thighs, coriander and cardamom into a comforting meal you can have ready in about 95 minutes. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 12 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for grill / broiler and pan. At involved difficulty across 12 steps, it's worth setting aside proper time for.
What you'll need
Shopping list (7)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
π Unit converter
How to make it
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag (or bowl).
- Add the chicken and use your hands to make sure each piece is coated. If using a ziplock bag, I find it convenient to close the bag then massage the bag to disperse the rub all over each chicken piece.
- Marinate overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Combine the Yoghurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required (it will last for 3 days in the fridge).
- Heat grill/BBQ (or large heavy based pan on stove) on medium high.
- You should not need to oil it because the marinade has oil in it and also thigh fillets have fat.
- But if you are worried then oil your hotplate/grill. (See notes for baking)
- Place chicken on the grill and cook the first side for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely charred, then turn and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes (the 2nd side takes less time).
- Remove chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
- TO SERVE
- Slice chicken and pile onto platter alongside flatbreads, Salad and the Yoghurt Sauce.
- To make a wrap, get a piece of flatbread and smear with Yoghurt Sauce. Top with a bit of lettuce and tomato and Chicken Shawarma. Roll up and enjoy!
You'll use: Grill / broiler Β· Pan
Watch how it's made
Hosted on YouTube β pressing play loads content from YouTube.
Ingredient substitutions
- Lemon
- lime Β· 1 tbsp white wine vinegar per lemon
What to serve with Shawarma
- Shakshuka Vegetarian
- Ful Medames Vegetarian
- Tamiya Vegetarian
- Koshari Vegetarian
Tips & common questions
How long does Shawarma take to make?
About 95 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 12 steps and 15 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of lemon?
Try lime. See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Recipe data for Shawarma via TheMealDB (open database). βΆ Video. Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure β how we source recipes.