Dinner

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma

Name: Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; ¼ cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

This vibrant Lebanese Chicken Shawarma brings the beloved street food experience right into your kitchen. Tender chicken strips are marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices, then pan-seared to perfection.

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for best flavor and tenderness.
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the pan if desired, especially if not using a non-stick surface.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until deeply browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. Break up any larger clumps with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Repeat with any remaining batches of chicken.
Serve the Lebanese Chicken Shawarma hot, typically in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, along with pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or garlic sauce.

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma is a true culinary delight, famous for its deeply flavorful and succulent chicken. The secret lies in a rich, tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a symphony of Middle Eastern spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a festive gathering, this dish promises an authentic taste of Lebanon.