How To Season Chicken Shawarma

Creating the Perfect Seasoning for Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from the Middle East. One of the key elements to making a mouthwatering chicken shawarma is the seasoning. The right combination of spices can elevate the flavor of the chicken and give it that signature shawarma taste. If you’re looking to make your own chicken shawarma at home, here’s how you can season it to perfection.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning chicken shawarma, there are a few essential ingredients that you’ll need to achieve that authentic, aromatic flavor. These include:

• Cumin: This earthy and warm spice adds depth to the seasoning.
• Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to the chicken.
• Turmeric: Adds a warm and slightly bitter taste, along with a bright yellow hue.
• Coriander: Offers a warm, citrusy flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the seasoning blend.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a pungent and savory flavor to the mix.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and helps the other spices meld together.

Creating the Seasoning Blend

Now that you have gathered all the necessary spices, it’s time to create the perfect seasoning blend for your chicken shawarma. Follow these simple steps to achieve a well-balanced and flavorful mix:

1. Measure the Spices: Start by measuring out the cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in the specified quantities.
2. Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, mix all the measured spices together until they are well combined. This ensures that each bite of the chicken is evenly seasoned with the aromatic blend.
3. Coat the Chicken: Once the seasoning blend is ready, generously coat the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly covered.
4. Marinate the Chicken: For the best results, allow the seasoned chicken to marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken shawarma.

Additional Tips for Flavorful Chicken Shawarma

In addition to the seasoning blend, there are a few extra tips that can take your chicken shawarma to the next level:

• Yogurt Marinade: Consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil before applying the seasoning blend. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
• Grilling or Roasting: While traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, you can achieve excellent results by grilling or roasting the seasoned chicken. This imparts a delicious charred flavor to the meat.
• Serve with Accompaniments: When serving the chicken shawarma, consider pairing it with traditional accompaniments such as pita bread, tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

By following these guidelines and using the right seasoning blend, you can create a tantalizing and aromatic chicken shawarma that is sure to impress your family and friends. Experiment with the spice quantities to suit your personal taste preferences, and soon you’ll be enjoying the irresistible flavors of homemade chicken shawarma.