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Chicken Shawarma Kebabs

A brilliantly flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated with vibrant spices and grilled to perfection, evoking the tastes of Middle Eastern street foods.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Ensures the chicken stays moist.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh and zesty flavor.
  • 5 large garlic cloves Minced for flavor infusion.
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon allspice Characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom Provides a fragrant undertone.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds smoky flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Adds depth to the flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin Enhances overall flavor profile.
For the chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Juicy and tender, perfect for grilling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk until blended to create a fragrant marinade.
Marinating the chicken
  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add to the marinade.
  2. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Grilling
  1. 30 minutes before grilling, remove chicken from refrigerator to come to room temperature.
  2. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with spacing in between pieces.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil grates if using a gas grill.
  4. Grill kebabs for 4-5 minutes on one side, then rotate and grill for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
Serving
  1. Remove kebabs from the grill and serve hot, optionally with tahini sauce.

Notes

For tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Add bell peppers or onions to skewers for color and flavor.