Lemon Garlic Infused Shawarma Chicken

Welcome to our mouthwatering journey through the flavors of the Middle East. In this article, we will tantalize your taste buds with a delicious and easy lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken recipe. Whether you’re a fan of homemade shawarma chicken or looking to explore a new culinary delight, this recipe is sure to impress.

Our lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken is the perfect blend of zesty and savory, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful twist on the traditional shawarma chicken in no time at all.

To infuse our chicken with incredible flavors, we marinate it in a delightful combination of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a selection of Middle Eastern spices. The result? A tender and juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor.

Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the ingredients and explore the best shawarma chicken marinade that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.

Key Takeaways:

Discover a delicious and easy homemade shawarma chicken recipe.
Explore a flavorful twist on the classic shawarma chicken with lemon garlic infusion.
Learn how to infuse your chicken with incredible flavors using Middle Eastern spices.
Experience the perfect blend of zesty and savory in every bite of our lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken.
Prepare a quick and satisfying meal with our simple and delicious shawarma chicken recipe.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Infused Shawarma Chicken

To make this delicious lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken, you will need a few key ingredients that will add incredible flavor to your dish.

Chicken breast: 2 pounds, boneless and skinless.
Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin.
Lemon juice: 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed.
Garlic cloves: 4 cloves, minced.
Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons.
Ground paprika: 2 teaspoons.
Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon.
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon.
Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.

These ingredients, combined with the right technique and cooking method, will result in a succulent and flavorful shawarma chicken.

The Best Shawarma Chicken Marinade

To achieve the authentic Middle Eastern taste in your shawarma chicken, it is essential to marinate the chicken properly. The marinade plays a crucial role in infusing the meat with rich flavors.

For the best shawarma chicken marinade, combine the following ingredients:

Yogurt: 1 cup, plain.
Garlic cloves: 4 cloves, minced.
Lemon juice: 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin.
Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons.
Ground paprika: 2 teaspoons.
Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon.
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon.
Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, then add the chicken and coat it well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a truly authentic shawarma experience.

Now that you have all the ingredients and the best marinade for your lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken, let’s move on to the instructions on how to prepare and cook this mouthwatering dish.

Instructions for Lemon Garlic Infused Shawarma Chicken

In this section, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make delicious lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken at home. This oven-baked chicken is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with a tangy garlic sauce. Whether you want to enjoy it on its own or use it to create mouthwatering chicken shawarma wraps, this recipe is a must-try.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before getting started, make sure you have the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the chicken.

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, creating two pieces of equal thickness.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, shawarma seasoning, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.

Oven-Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.

Make a Flavorful Garlic Sauce

No shawarma chicken is complete without a delicious garlic sauce. To make the sauce, you’ll need:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Refrigerate the sauce until it’s time to serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it with the garlic sauce on the side.

This lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken is perfect for creating flavorful chicken shawarma wraps. Simply warm up some flatbread, spread the garlic sauce, add the sliced chicken, and top it with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Roll it up and enjoy!

Now that you know how to make delicious lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken at home, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Suggestions and Healthier Options

Now that you have mastered the art of making lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken, let’s explore some delightful serving suggestions and healthier options to enhance your culinary experience. Middle Eastern shawarma chicken is not only incredibly flavorful but can also be enjoyed in various ways.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative ways to serve your lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken:

Wrap it up: Enjoy your shawarma chicken in a warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tangy tahini sauce.
Make it a platter: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy basmati rice with a side of creamy hummus, tabbouleh salad, and warm pita bread.
Top it on a salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a refreshing salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a vibrant lemony dressing.

Healthier Options

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to traditional shawarma chicken, consider these options:

Grilled Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and marinate them in a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices before grilling to perfection.
Cauliflower Shawarma: Substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with shawarma spices for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Lettuce Wraps: Instead of using pita bread, wrap your lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter and carb-free option.

These healthier alternatives provide a nutritious twist while still delivering the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma chicken.

With these serving suggestions and healthier options, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of shawarma chicken while still maintaining a balanced and nutritious lifestyle. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite way to savor this Middle Eastern delight.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have explored the deliciousness and simplicity of the lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken recipe. By infusing the chicken with the bright flavors of lemon and the aromatic essence of garlic, we have transformed the classic shawarma chicken into a mouthwatering Middle Eastern delight.

We have discussed the key ingredients needed to make this flavorful dish, including the best shawarma chicken marinade, which adds depth and richness to the chicken’s flavors. With simple, easy-to-follow instructions, we have guided you on how to prepare and cook the lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken, even exploring variations like lemon chicken shawarma and the perfect garlic sauce for chicken shawarma wraps.

As you savor the tantalizing aromas and flavors of this homemade shawarma chicken, remember the versatile serving options and the Middle Eastern influence on this beloved dish. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a delicious main course, in a wrap, or with a variety of healthy alternatives, the lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken never fails to impress.

So why not try this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish for yourself? Embrace the simplicity and the explosion of flavors that the lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken brings to the table. Prepare it for your family and friends, and let them indulge in the culinary delights of Middle Eastern cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works perfectly for this lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken recipe. It ensures faster cooking time and makes it easier to slice for serving.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the chicken to soak in all the delicious lemon garlic marinade.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it in the oven?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor to the shawarma chicken. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What should I serve with lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken?

Lemon garlic shawarma chicken pairs well with various options such as rice, couscous, or warm pita bread. You can also serve it in a salad or as the protein in a shawarma wrap with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

Can I make this recipe using other types of meat?

Yes, you can use this marinade and cooking method for other types of meat, such as beef or lamb. Adjust the cooking time according to the specific meat you choose.

How long does leftover shawarma chicken last in the fridge?

Leftover shawarma chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

Can I freeze the lemon garlic infused shawarma chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked shawarma chicken. Ensure it is stored in a freezer-safe container or bag and consumed within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Can I use store-bought shawarma spice blend?

While store-bought shawarma spice blends are convenient, making your own at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. However, if you prefer the convenience, store-bought blends work well too.