- There are so many ways now a days to toss shawarma meat into. Things such as french fries, saj bread, and rice are just some examples!
Ah chicken shawarma, one of my all time favorite Middle Eastern staple. Chicken shawarma is a middle eastern staple that is marinated with a variety of herbs and spices then layered onto a vertical rotisserie until cooked. Usually when you go to a shawarma place, the chef there would spread hummus on your pita bread then shave portions of the rotisserie onto your pita bread then add all of your vegetable toppings and tahini.
Now a days you can get chicken shawarma in a variety of ways. One popular new staple shawarma fries which is shawarma meat, hummus, tahini, veggies tossed on top; has become a trend in both Canada and the USA. Beef is also another meat that is often used to make shawarmas.
With that said I will be going through my own shawarma recipe and try to keep it as simple as possible and keep it original.
Shawarma a Middle Eastern staple has become a big trend all over the world. Now shawarma meat is used to top a lot of different food creating a variety of unique dishes
How to cook shawarma chicken?
Shawarma meat can be cooked in a variety of ways. A toaster oven or an air fryer are two of the best ways to rotisserie shawarma meat however if you dont have either of those it can be done in the oven. My shawarma recipe works for all 3 different types.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of making shawarma in an air fryer / toaster oven compared to a regular oven?
For shawarma in an air fryer or toaster oven, it is easier to rotisserie meat compared to in an oven as the only option for the oven is to roast them. Not only that toaster ovens and air fryers usually have an option where the meat can be rotated horizontally as compared to the oven where meat will have to be placed vertically on a tray. The bad news though on all toaster ovens and air fryers is the lack of space on each. In an oven you can place twice as much meat compared to what you can put in a toaster oven.
1. Shawarma in air fryer / toaster oven
- Easier to rotisserie and have that crispy texture on your shawarma
- Can rotate on its own evenly distributing the heat towards all of your meat
- Disadvantage is the lack of space in air fryers and toaster ovens
2. Shawarma in oven
- Fits larger quantity of meat
- Can include veggies and other items next to the chicken for extra taste
- Disadvantage is the lack of rotisserie functionality in an oven and no rotate function
Chicken Shawarma Recipe : Special ingredients / Substitutes
Chicken Thigh Substitutes:
Boneless Chicken thighs can be substituted in a variety of ways compared to the original dish.
- For those who are looking for a vegan option, using falafel is one great way to enjoy a shawarma
- Chicken breasts are also one other great alternative which can give more of a juicier taste to your meat compared to thighs
- Swap the chicken entirely and substitute for some beef shawarma
Variety of Shawarma Sauces & Spreads:
For authentic shawarma the 3 usual spreads used are hummus, tahini, and garlic sauce. I feel however; you can top your shawarma with whatever you like.
- Chipotle sauce is a great addition to your shawarma if your looking to change things around
- Hot sauce for sure if your looking to get a kick on your wrap
- French fries give shawarmas an amazing taste with its crispy potato texture
- Lets not forget sriracha!
What toppings do you place in your shawarma?
For my personal chicken shawarma recipe I love using saj bread or pita bread. Spread your pita bread with hummus then toss in French fries, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, turnips, and pour in some hot sauce and chipotle to make it extra saucy!
