Chicken Shawarma Recipe

INTRODUCTION: Experience the bold flavors of the Middle East with the Chicken Shawarma Recipe, a popular street food classic. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and lemon juice, tender chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by creamy tzatziki sauce, crunchy vegetables, and pickled turnips. This mouthwatering recipe captures the essence of authentic shawarma, bringing the vibrant flavors and textures of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Get ready to delight your senses with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious Chicken Shawarma Recipe!

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon coriander

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 4 pita breads

- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

- Tomato, onion, cucumber, pickles, and parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.

4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.

5. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 5 minutes.

6. Assemble shawarma by slicing grilled chicken into thin strips and placing on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomato, onion, cucumber, pickles, and parsley.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: You can also cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven if grilling is not an option.

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (optional):

- 1 cup Greek yogurt

- 1/2 cup diced cucumber

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Here is an approximate calorie chart for a serving of Chicken Shawarma (assuming 4 servings total):

Per serving (1 shawarma):

- Calories: 520-600

- Protein: 40-45g

    - Chicken breast: 35-40g

    - Tzatziki sauce: 5-6g

- Fat: 20-25g

    - Olive oil: 8-10g

    - Tzatziki sauce: 8-10g

- Carbohydrates: 40-45g

    - Pita bread: 20-25g

    - Vegetables (tomato, onion, cucumber, pickles): 10-12g

    - Tzatziki sauce: 5-6g

- Fiber: 5-6g

- Cholesterol: 60-70mg

- Sodium: 400-500mg

- Sugar: 10-12g

Vitamins and Minerals:

- Vitamin A: 20-25% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin C: 40-50% of the DV

- Calcium: 15-20% of the DV

- Iron: 25-30% of the DV

- Potassium: 20-25% of the DV

Please note that this is an estimate, as exact values depend on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, Chicken Shawarma can vary in ingredients and portion sizes, affecting calorie counts. This chart serves as an approximate guide.

Keep in mind that Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and satisfying meal option, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Enjoy in moderation!

Note: If you're using a store-bought tzatziki sauce, the calorie count may vary. Be sure to check the nutrition label for accurate information.