Nadiya's Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Dive into culinary delight with Nadiya's Chicken Shawarma Recipe! Discover the magic in every bite. Elevate your cooking game today. 🍗🌯 #NadiyaRecipe

Nadiya Chicken Shawarma

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 400 calories

Nadiya Hussain's chicken shawarma recipe is a culinary masterpiece that elevates the traditional Middle Eastern dish to new heights. What sets her version apart is the meticulously crafted marinade that infuses the boneless chicken thighs with a symphony of flavors. The combination of yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt creates a rich and aromatic base that transforms the poultry into a succulent and well-seasoned delight.

The marinating process is a crucial step, allowing the chicken to soak in the spices for a minimum of two hours, or even better, overnight. This not only imparts a depth of flavor but also ensures the meat remains tender and juicy during the roasting process.

The roasting itself is a sensory experience, as the marinated chicken thighs sizzle in the oven, developing a tantalizing char on the edges. The result is perfectly cooked shawarma with a smoky exterior that gives way to a moist and flavorful interior.

To complement the dish, Nadiya's inclusion of a homemade tahini sauce adds a creamy and nutty element. This simple yet delectable sauce, made with tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of salt, ties the components together harmoniously.

When assembled in warm flatbreads or pitas and adorned with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, the Nadiya chicken shawarma becomes a culinary triumph, showcasing the chef's expertise in blending spices and creating a memorable dining experience.

It's a recipe that invites you to savor each bite, appreciating the artistry behind a well-crafted and utterly delicious dish.

Recipe

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with Nadiya's Chicken Shawarma – a tantalizing recipe that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts! 🌮✨ #NadiyaRecipes #ChickenShawarmaMagic

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tahini paste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water (to adjust consistency)

For Serving:

• Flatbreads or pitas
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt to create the marinade.
2. Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a bowl, mix tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
7. Add water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Set aside.
8. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice the chicken.
9. Warm the flatbreads or pitas.
10. Assemble the shawarma by placing sliced chicken on the bread, adding tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzling tahini sauce on top.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Video

Nadiya Chicken Shawarma

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Recipe Tags: Nadiya Chicken Shawarma, Nadiya Chicken Shawarma Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Nadiya's chicken shawarma is a delightful experience that involves assembling the components thoughtfully to maximize flavor and presentation. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Warm the Flatbreads or Pitas: Heat your flatbreads or pitas briefly in a pan or oven. This enhances their pliability and elevates the overall texture of the dish.
• Slice the Roasted Chicken: Once the marinated chicken thighs are perfectly roasted and have rested for a few minutes, thinly slice them. This ensures each bite is filled with the juicy and flavorful goodness.
• Prepare Fresh Veggies: Slice fresh tomatoes and cucumbers to add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm and savory chicken.
• Make the Tahini Sauce: Mix up the tahini sauce by combining tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with water to achieve your preferred thickness.
• Assemble the Shawarma: First, lay out the warm flatbreads or pitas on a serving platter. Then place a generous portion of the sliced chicken on each bread. Add sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on top for freshness and crunch.
• Drizzle with Tahini Sauce: Finish off by drizzling the homemade tahini sauce over the assembled shawarma. The creamy and nutty notes of the sauce complement the spiced chicken beautifully.
• Garnish (Optional): For a final touch, you can garnish with fresh parsley or herbs to add a pop of color and a hint of additional flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken shawarma is best enjoyed immediately while the components are warm and the flavors are at their peak. Encourage your guests to customize their shawarma by adding extra sauce or toppings to suit their taste.

Tips

1. Marinating Time: Don't rush the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to marinate for an extended period, preferably overnight, enhances the depth of flavor and ensures the spices penetrate the meat.
2. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the marinade, especially the spices. Fresh spices will impart a more vibrant flavor to the chicken.
3. Even Slicing: When slicing the chicken, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in every bite.
4. Roasting Temperature: Preheat your oven to a high temperature. A hot oven helps achieve a nice char on the chicken while keeping the inside juicy. Around 425°F (220°C) works well.
5. Tahini Sauce Consistency: Adjust the tahini sauce to your preferred consistency by adding water gradually. It should be creamy and drizzle easily but not too thin.
6. Fresh Vegetables: Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes and cucumbers for the fresh toppings. Their quality enhances the overall taste of the shawarma.
7. Pita or Flatbread Warmth: Warm the flatbreads or pitas just before serving. This not only makes them more pliable but also enhances the overall experience of the dish.
8. Customization: Encourage diners to customize their shawarma with additional toppings like pickles, red onions, or a squeeze of lemon for added personalization.
9. Garnish: If you choose to garnish, fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. It's a small touch that goes a long way.
10. Serve Promptly: Chicken shawarma is best enjoyed immediately after assembly while everything is warm and flavors are at their peak. Serve promptly to ensure maximum enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing a few ingredients for Nadiya's chicken shawarma or want to explore variations, here are some substitutes you can consider:

1. Yogurt: If you don't have yogurt, you can use buttermilk as a substitute in the marinade. It provides a similar tangy flavor.
2. Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
3. Spices: While the specific spice blend is key, you can adjust based on what you have. For example, if you're missing cumin or coriander, consider using curry powder or garam masala as a replacement.
4. Tahini Paste: If you don't have tahini paste for the sauce, you can substitute it with peanut butter or almond butter for a nuttier flavor. Keep in mind that this will alter the taste slightly.
5. Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice. It provides a similar acidity to brighten up the tahini sauce.
6. Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
7. Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breast. However, be cautious as chicken breast tends to be less juicy than thighs.
8. Flatbreads or Pitas: Naan or any other flatbread can be used as a substitute. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives based on your dietary preferences.

Remarks

Indulge in the magic of Nadiya's Chicken Shawarma—a culinary journey that tantalizes taste buds. Elevate your dining experience with every flavorful bite. Cheers to homemade delights! 🌟🍽️ #NadiyaMagic #ChickenShawarmaAdventure