Savory Chicken Shawarma for Ramadan Iftar

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, iftar is also a time for a delicious meal with intense flavors. If you want to spice something extra in your iftar and  are trying a Savory Chicken Shawarma for Ramadan Iftar, look no further. Full of flavors from juicy marinated chicken, spices, and a tangy sauce to enhance your Ramadan nights.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients for Savory Chicken Shawarma
• How to Make Shawarma Marinade
• How to Cook Chicken Shawarma
• Serving Your Savory Chicken Shawarma
• Tips and Tricks for the Best Shawarma
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

So, if you have been looking for something nice and aromatic to break your fast in Ramadan, this Savory Chicken Shawarma is perfect. On the other hand, Shawarma is a popular dish from the Middle East known for its blend of flavors, spices, tender chicken, and deliciousness. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make perfect chicken shawarma for serving on pita bread, flatbreads, or even on a plate with rice. This simple recipe will reduce your time while offering you a delicious meal that your family will enjoy.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken Shawarma

Finally, the perfect chicken shawarma recipe calls for the right  ingredients. You would need these ingredients to cook a restaurant-style dish in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Water (to adjust consistency)
• Salt to taste

How to Make Shawarma Marinade

The secret to the juicy and flavorful chicken shawarma has always been in the marinade. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step-by-Step Marinade Instructions

1. Combine the oil, juice, vinegar, yogurt, honey, and spices in a bowl. Mix until everything is fully integrated (25 seconds — 2 minutes)

1. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl, ensuring all the pieces are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or even overnight. Marinating overnight will make the chicken taste the best.

1. The chicken will take in all the spice flavor while it marries, which is the secret to a good shawarma.

How to Cook Chicken Shawarma

Now that we have marinated the chicken, it is ready to be cooked! This step is easy and guarantees juicy and infuses flavorful chicken.

Cooking Instructions

1. Set a large skillet (or grill skillet would also work) over medium-high heat. You can also broil the chicken on the barbecue if you like.

1. When the pan heats, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked. Nice char marks give the meat flavor.

1. Remove the chicken from the moistened frypan and allow it to sit for a few moments before slicing it thinly into strips. It has to be succulent, moist and soft inside.

Serving Your Savory Chicken Shawarma

The Savory Chicken Shawarma is done, then! Time to serve. There are just so many ways you can serve it:

Serving Suggestions

• With fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce wrapped in warm pita or flatbread.
• Plated alongside rice and a dipping sauce such as garlic sauce or hummus.
• Served with pickled vegetables and a cold cucumber yogurt sauce.

Drizzle your Shawarma with a homemade tahini sauce made from tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil for a more complex flavor. Pasta this rich sauce complements the salty chicken while adding a hint of tartness to your dish.

Best Shawarma | Tips & Tricks

To take your shawarma game to the next level, here are some expert tips:

• For extra tenderness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they have more fat and flavor.
• Don’t skip the marinating step. The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor.
• Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor that enhances the shawarma experience.
• If you don’t have tahini for the sauce, you can substitute it with a creamy yogurt-based sauce or a garlic sauce.

Conclusion

Savory Chicken Shawarma is an easy, flavorful dish that will take your Ramadan Iftar to the next level. This skillet chicken is a family and friends pleaser, where aromatic spices penetrate tender chicken pieces nestled in a fragrant sauce!  You cannot go wrong if served in a pita, flatbread or rice. So try out this recipe and relish the taste of Shawarma this Ramadan!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Shawarma?

Yes, you can. But like we said, this is typically the easier way, too. Chicken thighs are used because they are juicier and more flavorful, which is ideal for Shawarma.

2. How Long Can I Marinate Chicken For Shawarma?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but it is excellent if you leave it overnight.

3. Can I make Shawarma in advance for iftar?

However, feel free to cook the chicken beforehand and keep it in the fridge for 2 days! Reheat it before serving.

4. What are the best sides to serve with Chicken Shawarma?

Complete a meal with rice, hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled vegetables on the side when serving Shawarma.

5. Can I make Shawarma in the oven?

For a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes halfway through.