Oven Grilled Shawarma Chicken

A Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight
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Oven-grilled shawarma chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a tantalizing blend of Middle Eastern spices. Marinated in a rich and aromatic mixture of coriander, paprika, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and other seasonings, this chicken is elevated to new heights of flavor. The addition of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and helps tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy, succulent chicken with every bite. Whether served as a main course, stuffed into pita bread, or paired with fresh salads and dips, oven-grilled shawarma chicken is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

One of the highlights of oven-grilled shawarma chicken is its versatility. While traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this recipe brings the flavors of shawarma to the home kitchen using a vertical meat skewer rack stand in the oven. This method allows for even cooking and browning, ensuring that each piece of chicken is perfectly grilled to tender perfection. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, oven-grilled shawarma chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The marinade plays a crucial role in imparting the signature flavor of shawarma to the chicken. Packed with aromatic spices, herbs, and seasonings, the marinade infuses the chicken with layers of complex flavors. The combination of coriander, paprika, garlic, ginger, and curry powder adds depth and warmth, while the Greek yogurt adds a touch of tanginess and helps tenderize the meat. Whether marinated for a few hours or overnight, the chicken emerges from the oven bursting with flavor and aroma.

When grilling oven-shawarma chicken, attention to detail is key. Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden-brown crust. Threading the marinated chicken onto skewers and arranging them on the vertical meat skewer rack stand allows for optimal airflow and even cooking. Basting the chicken with marinade or oil while grilling helps keep it moist and flavorful, resulting in juicy, succulent chicken that’s sure to impress.

Serving oven-grilled shawarma chicken is an experience in itself. Whether enjoyed as part of a traditional Middle Eastern feast or incorporated into modern fusion dishes, this chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. Pair it with warm pita bread, creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki sauce, and crisp, fresh vegetables for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for a finishing touch that elevates the dish to gourmet status.

In summary, oven-grilled shawarma chicken is a delectable dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your home kitchen. With its tender, flavorful meat and aromatic spices, this chicken is sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether served as a main course, stuffed into sandwiches, or incorporated into salads and wraps, oven-grilled shawarma chicken is a versatile and delicious addition to any menu.

✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 2 hrs Total Time 3 hrs
Cooking Temp: 200  °C Servings: 4 Calories: 250-300
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Try this delicious and flavorful oven grilled shawarma chicken recipe. Packed with aromatic spices and tender chicken, it's a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Impress your family and friends with this Middle Eastern-inspired dish. Enjoy the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

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Instructions

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    • In a large bowl, combine the coriander powder, paprika, minced garlic, minced ginger, curry powder, chicken seasoning, chili powder, dried oregano, Greek yogurt, salt, cooking oil, Sriracha sauce, and Nandos peri-peri rub. Mix well to form a marinade.
    • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the flavors to infuse.
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto a vertical meat skewer rack stand, ensuring they are evenly spaced and secure.
    • Place the skewer rack stand in the preheated oven and grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, rotating the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
    • Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewer rack stand from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve the oven-grilled shawarma chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
    •  

Note

Tips for Success:

  1. Marinate Thoroughly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Secure Skewers Properly: Make sure the chicken pieces are securely threaded onto the skewers to prevent them from falling off during grilling.
  3. Even Cooking: Rotate the skewers periodically during grilling to ensure all sides of the chicken cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
  4. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it is cooked through.
  5. Serve with Accompaniments: Shawarma chicken pairs well with flatbreads, rice, salads, or grilled vegetables. Consider serving it with tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or yogurt-based dips for added flavor.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the skewer rack stand inside. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps to achieve a nice sear on the outside.

  7. Use Uniformly Sized Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent smaller pieces from overcooking while larger ones are still raw.

  8. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This allows the marinade to adhere better to the chicken and helps promote better browning during grilling.

  9. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of spices, herbs, or chili powder to achieve your desired flavor profile.

  10. Baste with Marinade: While grilling, you can baste the chicken with any leftover marinade halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful. Just be sure to discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

  11. Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks to prevent it from drying out or burning. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without becoming too dark on the outside.

  12. Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

  13. Serve with Fresh Accompaniments: Shawarma chicken pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, tahini sauce, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad. Serve with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

  14. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain their juiciness.

  15. Experiment with Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes to elevate the presentation and flavor of your shawarma chicken. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of tahini sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

 

Calories:

The calorie count for oven-grilled shawarma chicken will vary based on factors like portion size and specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving may contain around 250-300 calories per 100g, depending on the cut of chicken and marinade ingredients.

Keywords: sharwama, oven grilled chicken, healthy meal,

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use other parts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well for this recipe, however, you can use other parts like thigh meat, depending on your preference.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the marinade?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or Sriracha sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of heat according to your preference.

How long can I store the leftover cooked chicken?

Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before grilling or cooking.

Can I grill the chicken on an outdoor barbecue instead of in the oven?

Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken on a preheated outdoor barbecue grill using the same skewer rack stand technique for that authentic shawarma flavor.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces such as drumsticks, thighs, or even whole chicken quarters for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this recipe without Greek yogurt?

While Greek yogurt adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken, you can substitute it with other dairy or non-dairy alternatives such as buttermilk, sour cream, or coconut yogurt. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out during grilling?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken and remove it from the oven once it reaches 75°C (165°F). Additionally, basting the chicken with marinade or oil while grilling can help keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder or Sriracha sauce in the marinade. You can also add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley instead of dried oregano if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor intensity may vary, so you may need to adjust the quantity of fresh herbs accordingly.

Can I marinate the chicken for too long?

While marinating the chicken overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion, marinating it for too long (e.g., more than 24 hours) can result in the chicken becoming overly seasoned or mushy. Aim for a marinating time of 2-24 hours for best results.

Can I use this marinade for other meats or vegetables?

Yes, this versatile marinade works well with other meats such as beef, lamb, or pork, as well as vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the protein or vegetable you're using.

Can I grill the chicken without a skewer rack stand?

If you don't have a vertical meat skewer rack stand, you can still grill the chicken using regular skewers or simply arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Flip the pieces halfway through cooking for even browning.

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Gbemisola Olakunle

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Gbemisola. A full-time food blogger, mother of 3 beautiful Kids and a lovely wife. I Love traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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