How to Make Authentic Chicken Shawarma
Step #1: Pour the ¼ cup of olive oil into a large plastic zipper bag. Add in the marinade spices, then seal the bag and shake to combine. Sauces like tahini sauce, Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce), garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or even just a dash of hot sauce often enhance the joy of shawarma, adding extra flavor and moisture to every bite. Chicken Shawarma, originating in the 19th century Ottoman Empire and an adaptation of the Turkish “döner kebab,” has become a global street food favorite, known for its flavorful and tender meat. Step #2: Cut the chicken breasts into sixths, then place the pieces into the large plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag and use your hands to work the marinade into the chicken. Place the bag of chicken into the fridge to marinate for 8 hours or overnight. Step #3: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 204 degrees Celsius), then prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer. Step #4: Bake for 8 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over, then bake for another 8 minutes. Step #5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let sit until cool enough to touch. Slice the chicken into thin pieces using a sharp knife. Step #6: Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Step #7: While it is heating, mix the remaining spices together in a small bowl and set it near the stove. Step #8: Once the oil is hot, add one-third of the cooked chicken into the pan along with one-third of the spices next to the stove. Cook, stirring, until the spices are spread amongst the meat and the chicken is heated through (just a minute or two). Follow it up with a piece of Arabic Date and Honey Cake to satisfy that sweet tooth. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave, covering the chicken to retain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times as it can dry out the chicken and reduce its flavor.
