Authentic Chicken Shawarma from London's Streets
Learn to make authentic chicken shawarma with marinated chicken thighs, cooked to perfection, and served with traditional accompaniments. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of London's street food directly to your kitchen.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan (for skillet method)
- Baking sheet
- Foil
- Oven-safe wire rack (for broiler method)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp shawarma spice blend (homemade or good quality store-bought)
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
For Serving (optional)
- Warm pita bread
- fresh salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- pickled turnips
- tahini sauce
- hot sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and slice them into thin, bite-sized strips or small cubes to maximize marinade absorption.
Marinade
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's thoroughly coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking Methods
- For the skillet method, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil, then cook chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- For the broiler method, preheat the broiler to high, arrange chicken on a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet, and broil for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until charred and juicy.
Finishing Touches
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices and ensure tenderness.
- Serve the chicken in warm pita bread or over rice with your favorite accompaniments like salad, pickled turnips, tahini, or hot sauce.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling the chicken on an outdoor grill. This will impart a smoky char that is characteristic of authentic street food shawarma. Be sure to use good quality spices for the best results.