Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Shawarma is a rich and aromatic dish that combines marinated chicken with warm spices, yogurt, and a touch of peanut butter for depth. Roasted to perfection, this dish brings the flavors of traditional Middle Eastern street food to your home. Serve it with flatbreads, houmous, and fresh salads for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Packed with Flavor: A mix of warm spices creates an irresistible aroma.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels or add toppings as desired.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Blueberry Pancakes
• Jamie Oliver Fig Jam
• Jamie Oliver Microwave Chocolate Pudding
  

What is Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Shawarma is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with marinated chicken thighs cooked on skewers or roasted in the oven, served with fresh toppings and warm flatbreads.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 10 cardamom pods (seeds removed and crushed)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cloves garlic (peeled and crushed)
• 4 fresh bay leaves (stems removed and finely chopped)
• 4 tablespoons natural yogurt
• 1 heaped tablespoon smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs

For the Skewers:

• 1 large red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
• 1 onion (peeled and quartered)
• 1 large tomato (quartered)
• 1 lemon (quartered)

For Serving:

• Warm flatbreads or pita
• Houmous
• Fresh salad (lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes)
• Amba sauce (optional, for a tangy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• Toast cardamom, fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and grind into a fine powder.
• In a bowl, mix the spices, garlic, bay leaves, yogurt, peanut butter, and olive oil to form a smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Thread the chicken, bell pepper, onion, tomato, and lemon pieces onto skewers.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• If using an oven, roast the skewers on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
• If using a grill or pan, cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the chicken from the skewers and slice into strips.
• Serve in warm flatbreads with hummus, salad, and sauces.
• Squeeze extra lemon juice on top before serving.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma

• Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A creamy and tangy drizzle.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds a crunchy contrast.
• Rice Pilaf: Complements the spices of the shawarma.
• Tahini Dressing: A nutty and smooth sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma

• Marinate Overnight: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicy and tender compared to breast meat.
• Char for Extra Flavor: Cook on high heat for a crispy, smoky finish.
• Double the Batch: Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Customize the Spices: Adjust the heat level by adding chili flakes or cayenne.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma

• Spicy Shawarma: Add extra chili powder or harissa for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Shawarma: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or jackfruit.
• Coconut Yogurt Marinade: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
• Lamb Shawarma: Swap chicken for lamb or beef strips for a richer taste.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma?

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Option: Freeze marinated chicken for up to 2 months, then thaw before cooking.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Leftovers?

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Oven: Warm at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can I make chicken shawarma without skewers?

Yes! Simply bake or pan-fry the marinated chicken without skewers.

What’s the best yogurt for marinating?

Use Greek yogurt for a thick marinade that tenderizes the chicken.

Can I cook chicken shawarma in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Shawarma is a mouthwatering dish bursting with warm spices and juicy chicken, perfect for wrapping in flatbreads or serving with rice. Whether grilled, roasted, or air-fried, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of homemade shawarma!

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