Chicken Shawarma is one of the popular dishes known for its delicious taste and easy preparation. If you want to make chicken shawarma at home, you'll benefit from natural ingredients like yogurt, garlic, and spices, which add a rich flavor and help improve overall health. These ingredients contain important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C in garlic, which boosts the immune system, as well as yogurt, which contains probiotics beneficial for the digestive system. However, you should be cautious about adding too much oil or salt to the marinade to avoid excess calories and saturated fats. Try this easy recipe for making delicious and healthy chicken shawarma at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 3 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon shawarma spices (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Arabic bread or shawarma bread for serving
• Tahini or yogurt sauce (optional for serving)

Alternatives for Ingredients:

• If you want to make chicken shawarma in a healthier way or adjust it to suit your dietary needs, you can use simple ingredient substitutes:
  • Substitute regular yogurt with low-fat yogurt or plant-based yogurt: If you're following a low-fat or vegan diet, you can replace regular yogurt with low-fat yogurt or plant-based yogurts like coconut or almond yogurt.
  • Replace olive oil with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great option if you're looking for healthy fats. It has health properties that support metabolism and contains healthy saturated fatty acids that improve heart health.
  • Substitute regular salt with sea salt or Himalayan salt: To enhance health benefits and avoid excess sodium, you can replace regular salt with sea salt or Himalayan salt, which contains additional minerals.

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of yogurt with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of shawarma spices (optional), and the juice of one lemon. Mix the ingredients well until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add 1 kg of thinly sliced chicken breasts to the mixture. Ensure that each piece of chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least two hours. For better flavor, you can leave it overnight.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat, then add a little oil. Place the marinated chicken slices in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked inside.
4. Prepare the bread: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Arabic or shawarma bread as desired. You can heat it slightly over the flame or in a pan for better taste.
5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it with tahini or yogurt sauce. You can also add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles for extra flavor. Enjoy the tastiest homemade chicken shawarma!

How to Prepare Shawarma in Various Ways:

You can prepare chicken shawarma in several different ways to achieve different flavors:

Grilling: You can grill the chicken slices on the barbecue to get a smoky flavor and a delicious aroma. This method is healthier because it does not require extra oil.

Baking in the Oven: If you prefer a healthier method, you can bake the shawarma in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the marinated chicken on a baking tray, and bake it for 20-30 minutes until it’s cooked through.

Pan-frying: You can achieve a crispy and delicious chicken shawarma by cooking it in a pan. Use a non-stick pan to minimize oil usage.

Tips for Serving Shawarma:

Here are some ideas for serving chicken shawarma in an innovative and healthy way:

Serve with Grilled Vegetables: Serve shawarma with grilled vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant for a balanced dish rich in fiber and vitamins.

Serve with a Green Salad: You can serve chicken shawarma with a fresh green salad, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, which enhances the dish's nutritional value.

Use Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier option, use whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Whole wheat bread contains additional fiber and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I prepare chicken shawarma in advance? Yes, you can prepare chicken shawarma in advance by marinating the chicken a day before and storing it in the refrigerator. You can cook it when needed. This allows you to prepare food early and save time during the cooking process.
2. What is the best type of bread to use with shawarma? You can use Arabic bread or traditional shawarma bread, preferably fresh to maintain its texture and taste. Whole wheat bread can also be used for a healthier option.
3. Can I substitute chicken with other meats? Yes, you can replace chicken with beef or lamb, but the cooking time should be adjusted depending on the type of meat. Lamb requires a longer cooking time compared to chicken.
4. What are the best ways to cook chicken shawarma? You can cook shawarma in a pan or on the grill to achieve a smoky flavor. You can also bake it in the oven for a healthier alternative, ensuring the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
5. Is shawarma healthy? Yes, if prepared with natural ingredients and by minimizing oil and salt, chicken shawarma can be a healthy option, providing protein and other essential nutrients. It can be made even healthier by using low-fat yogurt and healthy oils like olive oil.

Nutritional Values and Benefits:

1 kg Chicken Breast (cut into thin slices)

• Calories: 1650
• Protein: 140 g
• Fat: 90 g
• Benefit: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of protein, which promotes muscle growth and helps repair tissues. They are also low in saturated fats, making them a healthy option.

3 tablespoons Yogurt

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Benefit: Yogurt contains probiotics that improve gut health and provides calcium essential for bone health.

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 27 g
• Benefit: Olive oil contains healthy fats (Omega-9) that support heart health and help reduce levels of bad cholesterol.

4 Garlic Cloves (chopped)

• Calories: 16
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
• Protein: 0.6 g
• Benefit: Garlic contains antibacterial and antiviral compounds, and it helps boost heart health and lowers blood pressure.

Juice of One Lemon

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Benefit: Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Shawarma Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Black Pepper, Cinnamon)

• Calories: Very little
• Benefit: These spices add a unique flavor to shawarma while providing health benefits such as improving digestion and supporting heart health.

Detailed Health Benefits:

• Yogurt:
  Yogurt contains probiotics that enhance gut health and aid digestion. It also provides essential calcium for bones and helps strengthen the immune system.
• Olive Oil:
  Olive oil is rich in Omega-9 fatty acids, which help lower bad cholesterol levels, thus promoting heart and vascular health.
• Garlic:
  Garlic contains compounds that fight bacteria and viruses, boosting the immune system. It also helps improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Lemon:
  Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant. It also helps with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
• Spices:
  Spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cinnamon have antioxidant properties and assist in digestion while supporting heart health. Cinnamon also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Chicken Shawarma is a dish that combines great flavor with health benefits. You can easily prepare it at home and enjoy it with family or friends. Try this recipe and enjoy fresh and delicious Shawarma!