Lebanese Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Dish

Lebanese cuisine is known worldwide for its dishes that are a mix of diverse flavors, vibrant spices, and a unique blend of herbs. One such dish is Lebanese Chicken Shawarma. It’s known for its irresistible aroma, savory taste and tender juicy chicken. Such qualities have made it one of the most popular street food around the world. So in this blog, we’ll learn how to make it, and where to find the best Shawarma in Houston.

But before that, let’s get to know its origin, where and how this dish came into existence.

The Origins of Shawarma

Shawarma originated right in the middle of the Middle East which stands for Turkey. Its name is derived from the Turkish word ‘Cevirme’, which means ‘turning’ which refers to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. While lamb or beef is traditionally used in other regions, Lebanese chicken shawarma has become a standout variation, making it the most popular version of shawarma worldwide.

Recipe for Lebanese Chicken Shawarma

Here’s the recipe to recreate the taste of street shawarma right at the comfort of your home.

Ingredients You’d Need:

1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

1 cup of plain yogurt

3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 large lemon

4 garlic cloves minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Pita bread or flatbread

Garlic sauce (toum) or tahini

Slices tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, pickles

Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Now you need to make sure that all the spices are well blended to create a smooth marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for maximum flavor.

3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C (400 Degrees F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. For the oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. For grilling, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked and has a slightly charred exterior.

4. Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

5. Assemble the Shawarma Wrap: Warm the pita or flatbread, then spread a generous layer of garlic sauce or tahini on the bread. Add a handful of sliced chicken, top with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, pickles, and parsley.

Roll it up tightly, and your homemade shawarma wrap is ready.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shawarma wraps with a side of extra garlic sauce, fries, or a fresh salad.

Where to Get the Best Shawarma in Houston?

In recent years, there have been many small outlets and restaurants that have started serving Shawarmas, given its craze. But if there’s one place that’s serving truly authentic shawarma in Houston for almost 2 decades now is Aladdin Houston. They are known as a local legend for middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and they are also one of the first to launch a restaurant that specializes in these cuisines in Houston.

Besides an in-dining experience at their 2 restaurants in Houston, they also offer a catering service. So you can have their delightful delicacies at your memorable event.

To Conclude

It’s more than a dish, it’s an art that we can actually eat. So now you have learned how to make this signature dish called Lebanese Chicken Shawarma at home. And for all the Houston folks, you’ve got one of the most authentic places in town. Go out and try these at the Aladdin, and let me know if I was right all along.