Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of cooking Middle Eastern dishes during my travels, where the aroma of shawarma filled the air. Perfecting this Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight became a passion, as I aimed to replicate those vibrant flavors at home. Each bite brings back memories of bustling markets and savory delights. This recipe is a true reflection of my culinary journey."

With over a decade of culinary experience, I specialize in Middle Eastern cuisine. My love for dinner recipes drives me to create dishes that are both delicious and accessible. I believe that every meal should be an experience that brings people together.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight served on a plate

Why This Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its unique marinade that infuses the chicken with aromatic spices and a zesty kick from lemon juice. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. Moreover, grilling the chicken ensures a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the overall dish.

The technique of marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in tender and juicy meat. By using a grill, you achieve that perfect sear while keeping the inside moist. This method not only enhances taste but also offers a delightful texture that makes every bite enjoyable.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, try to marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to fully develop and tenderize the meat. Additionally, let your grill get hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious. You can also grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it just before serving to save time.

If you don’t have tahini sauce, you can use plain yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice and garlic for a creamy alternative. Alternatively, a simple garlic sauce or hummus can also work well to complement the dish.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a knife.

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just ensure it is stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Once grilled, you can also freeze leftover chicken, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight pairs well with a side of tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Stored properly in an airtight container, Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just ensure it is cooled completely before storing.

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. You can grill it just before serving or reheat it gently if already cooked.

The best way to reheat grilled chicken is to use the oven at a low temperature to retain moisture. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overdo it as it can dry out the chicken.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the chicken turns out dry, it might be overcooked or not marinated long enough.

Solution: To avoid this, ensure you marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken is not crispy, it may not have been grilled hot enough.

Solution: Preheat your grill well and avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure that the chicken gets that nice char.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.

Prevention: Cook the chicken for the recommended time and use a thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The chicken might be undercooked in the center.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, return it to the grill and cook until the temperature reaches 165°F.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside is burnt while the inside remains raw, the grill might be too hot.

Prevention: Lower the grill temperature and flip the chicken more frequently to achieve even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: If too salty, serve with a side of unsalted yogurt or rice to help counter the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, try adding more spices or a dash of salt to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight

The key ingredients in this Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight include tender chicken thighs, which are perfect for grilling and absorbing the marinade. Spices such as cumin and paprika offer authentic Middle Eastern flavors, while fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch. The combination of these ingredients is what makes this dish truly delightful.

When selecting ingredients, opt for high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Organic chicken thighs will provide a juicier and more flavorful result. Additionally, using fresh lemons for juice and good quality olive oil enhances the overall taste of your dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures juiciness and enhances flavor. They remain tender even after grilling, making your shawarma delightful.
  • Spices: Quality spices are crucial for authentic flavor. Freshly ground spices will yield better results compared to pre-ground ones, as they have more potency.
  • Tahini Sauce: A good tahini sauce should be creamy and not overly bitter. Look for brands that use high-quality sesame seeds to ensure a rich flavor.
Cooking process for Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight is straightforward and fun. Start by marinating the chicken, allowing the spices to meld and penetrate the meat. Next, preheat your grill to ensure the perfect sear. When grilling, keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook.

To achieve perfect results, let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Lastly, assemble the dish with fresh veggies and sauce for a delightful meal.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight

The most important technique for this recipe is the marination process. Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. This step is crucial for achieving that depth of taste characteristic of authentic shawarma.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup tahini sauce
    Creamy and rich
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For added flavor
  • Juice of 1 lemon
    Freshly squeezed
  • Salt, to taste
    Enhances flavor
  • Water, as needed
    To thin the sauce

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
    Boneless and skinless
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    For marinating
  • 3 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
    Spice blend
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
    Spice blend
  • 1 tbsp paprika
    Spice blend
  • 1 tsp turmeric
    Spice blend
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
    Spice blend
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • Juice of 2 lemons
    For marinating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

  3. Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  4. Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  5. Rest Chicken

    Once cooked, remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  6. Prepare Pita

    Warm pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes, then remove.

  7. Assemble Shawarma

    Slice the grilled chicken and place it into the warmed pita breads. Top with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and drizzle with tahini sauce.

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Chicken Shawarma Delight with a side of tabbouleh salad or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. Pair it with warm pita bread and a squeeze of lemon for a delightful meal experience.

Recipe Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with marinated grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also try different marinades using yogurt or various spices to customize your shawarma experience.