Shawarma and grill brings the flavors of a bustling Middle Eastern street right to your backyard, with chicken thighs soaking in a bold mix of turmeric, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and bright lemon. As the meat hits the hot grates, it sizzles and chars, turning irresistibly juicy and tender. Pile your shawarma and grill style chicken into warm pita with crunchy cucumbers, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of creamy tahini, and every bite bursts with smoky, citrusy warmth. Ready in under half an hour, it is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a festive, crowd pleasing spread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This shawarma and grill
- Juicy, tender chicken bursting with flavor.
- Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
- Grilled to perfection for that smoky taste.
- A delightful taste of Middle Eastern cuisine at home.
shawarma and grill
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl. Toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate for at least 1 hour. The longer, the better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Get it nice and hot for that perfect char!
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. You want that juicy goodness!
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, slice it thinly.
- Warm pita breads on the grill for 1 minute on each side. They should be soft and ready to hold all that delicious filling!
- Fill each pita with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce for that extra flavor kick!
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade shawarma! It’s a delightful treat for everyone!
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients for a mouthwatering shawarma and grill experience!
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs – tender and juicy for grilling
- 2 tbsp olive oil – keeps the chicken moist
- 1 tsp ground cumin – adds warm, earthy flavor
- 1 tsp ground coriander – enhances the spice mix
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – brings a smoky depth
- ½ tsp ground turmeric – for vibrant color
- ½ tsp chili powder – adds a little heat
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for that garlicky goodness
- 1 tsp onion powder – complements the flavors
- 1 tsp salt – to season the chicken
- ½ tsp black pepper – for a bit of spice
- juice of 1 lemon – brightens the flavors
- 4 pita breads – for serving
- sliced tomatoes – fresh and crunchy topping
- sliced cucumbers – adds crunch and freshness
- shredded lettuce – for a refreshing bite
- tahini sauce or garlic sauce – a delicious condiment
How to Make Shawarma and Grill
Get ready for a delicious adventure! This grilled shawarma recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to cook, and an extra 5 minutes for resting. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the bowl. Toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate for at least 1 hour. The longer, the better!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Get it nice and hot for that perfect char!
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. You want that juicy goodness!
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, slice it thinly.
Step 6: Warm Pita Breads
Warm pita breads on the grill for 1 minute on each side. They should be soft and ready to hold all that delicious filling!
Step 7: Assemble Shawarma
Fill each pita with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce for that extra flavor kick!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade shawarma! It’s a delightful treat for everyone!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Middle Eastern |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm with fresh toppings! |
Pro Tips for Making shawarma and grill
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a mix of spices for a balanced taste.
- Grill on medium-high heat for juicy results.
- Let the meat rest before slicing for tenderness.
- Serve with fresh veggies for a vibrant touch.
How to Serve this shawarma and grill
- Wrap in warm pita bread with fresh veggies.
- Serve with a side of creamy tahini sauce.
- Pair with a refreshing tabbouleh salad.
- Top with pickled onions and cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Enjoy with a side of hummus and pita chips.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Offer a yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt and herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your shawarma and grill for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the shawarma completely before freezing.
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date; can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture.
- Microwave on low power, covered, for quick reheating.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is shawarma and how is it traditionally prepared on a grill?
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made of marinated meat that is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Traditionally, it is prepared by stacking thin slices of marinated meat, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, on a skewer and grilling it until tender and juicy. When grilling at home, you can replicate this by marinating your meat and cooking it on a grill or grill pan, ensuring it gets that delicious charred flavor while remaining moist inside.
2. Which meats and marinades work best for grilling shawarma?
Chicken, beef, and lamb are the most common meats used for shawarma. For chicken, boneless thighs are ideal due to their juiciness. For beef or lamb, cuts like flank steak or leg of lamb work well. As for marinades, a mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika creates a flavorful base that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with Middle Eastern flavors. Letting the meat marinate for several hours or overnight enhances the taste even more.
3. How can I grill shawarma at home safely and effectively?
To grill shawarma at home, start by marinating your chosen meat for at least a few hours. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and ensure it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature (165°F for chicken, 145°F for beef). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly to serve, ensuring it retains its juices.
4. What sauces and side dishes pair well with grilled shawarma?
Grilled shawarma is delicious when served with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Popular sauces include garlic sauce, tahini, and spicy harissa, which complement the flavors of the meat beautifully. For side dishes, consider serving it with fresh tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Pita bread or flatbreads are also great for wrapping the shawarma, making it a perfect meal for sharing or enjoying on the go!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delicious grilled shawarma recipe in your hands, it’s time to fire up the grill and create some mouthwatering memories! Enjoy the juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Cooking can be simple and oh-so-rewarding—happy grilling!