Description
This Chicken Shawarma Tower is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs stacked vertically to create a tower and baked in the oven until juicy and crispy. Infused with spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and allspice, the shawarma is tender and aromatic. Layered with thinly sliced onions and drizzled with olive oil, it makes for an impressive and delicious main course served with pita bread, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for layering)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, garlic powder, ground ginger, lemon juice, plain yogurt, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all spices are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Shawarma Tower: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces vertically on the prepared baking sheet, stacking them one on top of the other to form a tower shape. Layer thinly sliced onions between each chicken piece to add moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Drizzle the stacked chicken tower with a small amount of olive oil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outer edges become slightly browned and crispy.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully slice downward through the tower into thin strips, ensuring you capture some of the crispy crust. Serve the shawarma with pita bread, rice, or salad. Optionally drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop the sliced chicken shawarma for a fresh and vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs yield juicier results.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as pita, rice, salad, or sauces like tahini or garlic yogurt sauce.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
