Love Middle Eastern flavors? With this Chicken Shawarma recipe paired with creamy Tahini Sauce, you can recreate the magic of your favorite street food right from the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving family and friends, or indulging in a flavorful dinner, this guide has all you need to achieve tender, perfectly spiced shawarma with an authentic tahini sauce.
Chicken Shawarma in Middle Eastern Cuisine
If there’s one dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern street food, it’s shawarma. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, shawarma has become a global favorite due to its irresistible combination of spices and juicy texture. Served in wraps, rice bowls, or alongside fresh veggies, shawarma’s versatile appeal makes it an all-around winner.
This recipe takes the classic dish up a notch by pairing the richly spiced chicken with a silky tahini sauce. What sets it apart? The careful curation of spices and a marinade that ensures flavor in every bite.
Curious to learn how to make it yourself? Let’s get started with the ingredients and tools you’ll need!
Ingredients and Equipment
Essential Ingredients
To make Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce, gather the following essentials:
For the Chicken Shawarma
- Chicken thighs or breasts (2 lbs): Choose thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): Adds moisture to the marinade.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Packs a savory punch.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp), ground coriander (1 tsp), ground paprika (1 tsp), ground turmeric (1/2 tsp), ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp), ground allspice (1/4 tsp): A blend of aromatic spices that create bold flavor.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh garnish.
For the Tahini Sauce
- Tahini (1/3 cup): A sesame seed paste that’s creamy and nutty.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For depth of flavor.
- Water (3-5 tbsp): Adjusts sauce consistency.
- Salt (to taste)
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grill, grill pan, or baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
1. Preparing the Marinade
The key to flavorful shawarma is in the marinade. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Taste to ensure the spice balance suits your preference; you can tweak the levels of paprika or cumin for a more robust flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: To achieve maximum flavor, give your marinade time to rest for 10 minutes before applying it to the chicken.
2. Marinating the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
🧐 Did you know? Marinating for just two hours can boost flavor by 50%, while overnight marination develops the flavors even further.
3. Cooking the Chicken
Preheat Your Equipment
- If grilling, heat your grill to medium-high.
- If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Cooking Methods
- Grilling: Cook chicken on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until charred with grill marks.
- Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side.
4. Making the Tahini Sauce
- Combine tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice, if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: For a thinner sauce, add warm water. For a creamier version, chill before serving.
5. Finishing Touches
- Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips.
- Plate the shawarma and drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken shawarma with delicious sides and drinks to complete your meal.
Presentation Tips
- Serve on a platter with warm pita bread, hummus, and pickled vegetables.
- Add a touch of flair with garnishes, like pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of olive oil over the tahini sauce.
Recommended Sides & Beverages
- Sides: Tabbouleh, roasted veggies, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
- Drinks: Mint tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with fresh lime.
Master Your Shawarma with Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with spiced roasted cauliflower or tofu.
- Spicy Shawarma: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Garlic Infusion: Swap tahini sauce for a garlicky yogurt sauce for a tangy twist.
Share Your Experience!
We hope you enjoy crafting this flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce recipe! Feeling creative? Snap a photo of your final dish and share it on Instagram or Facebook using #ShawarmaMadeEasy.
Have questions? Check out our quick FAQ section below.
Create Magic in the Kitchen
Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Sauce is a perfect blend of bold spices, tender chicken, and silky sauce that’s sure to wow your taste buds. Whether for meal prep or a dinner party, this dish promises to impress.
Want more mouthwatering recipes? Stay tuned for more Middle Eastern delights or explore our recipe library for endless inspiration.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
3. Can I use store-bought tahini?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s of good quality for an authentic flavor.
4. What’s better—chicken thighs or breasts?
Thighs are juicier, but breasts offer a leaner option. Both work great!