Best Ingredients Required to Make Flavorful Chicken Shawarma

Similar to Gyros, Chicken Shawarma involves being placed over a spit, like a chicken shawarma machine, which slowly turns over a heat source. (Fun fact: “Shawarma” actually means “turning”!) However, the flavors of Shawarma are a bit different from other meat creations.

Chicken Flavor Ingredients

In order to get the traditional Shawarma flavor, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Lemon or lemon juice
• Curry powder
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Cumin
• Minced garlic cloves

Then, you’ll want to combine these ingredients in a bowl and before placing the chicken in there, tossing so that it’s completely marinated with the flavor and seasonings. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Sauce Ingredients

While you’re letting the meat stand for 20 minutes, you can work on your sauce. Combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and garlic cloves together through whisking.

• Reduced Fat Greek Yogurt
• Tahini
• Lemon or lemon juice
• Salt
• Minced garlic cloves

Next, you’ll want to cook the chicken, however you decide to do it, whether through a grill or specialty machine.

Main Differences between Shawarma and Gyro

You may be thinking that Shawarma sounds similar to Gyro creations, but there are some key differences. Even though they look like the same dish and involve shaved meat in a cone-like pita, it comes down to preparation. Gyros often involve blended lamb and beef, formed into a kind of loaf, whereas Shawarma involves a wide range of meat slices—that may include chicken, beef, lamb, and goat—packed down together. Shawarma offers a wider assortment of toppings involved compared to Gyros.

While what’s listed above are known as some of the best ingredients for Shawarma, it’s important to remember that one of the most key components of a delicious Shawarma creation is its flexibility. Experiment with different meat styles and variations to figure out the perfect Chicken Shawarma for you.