Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven is a delightful dish combining tender, marinated chicken with the warm, inviting flavors of Middle Eastern spices. Cooking this recipe in the oven creates a juicy and flavorful tower of chicken that is perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner. With every bite, you’ll experience layers of succulent chicken, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys a delicious meal.
Why Make This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to choose Chicken Shawarma Tower for your next meal. First and foremost, the blend of spices and marination results in exceptionally tender and flavorful chicken. The unique presentation of a towering skewer of chicken makes it visually appealing, which is always a hit at dinner parties. Moreover, it’s a healthy option, as you control the ingredients and can easily modify them based on dietary preferences. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, requires minimal active cooking time, and, once marinated, you can simply let it bake in the oven while you prepare other elements of your meal.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
Creating a Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven involves a simple marination process followed by building the tower and baking. It’s not only easy but also quite fun to put together.
Ingredients:
- 10 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely grated)
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp ground sumac
- Salt (to taste)
Directions:
Prepare the Oven: Place the first oven rack on the bottom shelf of the oven. Remove the second rack, as you’ll need it later to stabilize the chicken tower. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the marinade ingredients: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Onion Base: Cut the onion in half. Place the onion halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Insert a skewer into each onion half to create a stable base for the chicken tower.
Build the Chicken Tower: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, stacking them to form a vertical tower.
Stabilize and Bake: Transfer the chicken tower to the preheated oven. To keep the tower stable, place the second oven rack on the top shelf, positioning the skewers between the bars. Bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken bakes, prepare the pickled onions. Combine the sliced red onion with lemon juice, sumac, and salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve the Shawarma: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully lift the chicken tower from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice off the edges of the tower, cutting the meat thinly as you go. Serve with the marinated red onions and any additional toppings of your choice.
Store Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
Chicken Shawarma Tower can be served in various ways, allowing you to customize each plate according to your and your guests’ preferences. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, rice, or even a fresh salad. You may also provide a selection of toppings such as hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber. The marinated red onions add a zesty kick that complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
You could also serve it as part of a larger spread, featuring dips like baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, or a tangy yogurt sauce for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
How to Store Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
If you have leftovers, storing them is quite simple. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
- Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight can elevate the flavor even further.
- Use Skewers: Ensure you soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning during cooking.
- Oven Thermometer: Using an oven thermometer can help ensure that the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Try Different Cuts: While chicken thighs are used in this recipe for their juiciness, you can also use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Variations
While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily switch things up!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based version.
- Add Vegetables: You can include bell peppers or zucchini in the tower for added flavor and nutrition.
- Different Spices: Experiment with spices like coriander, turmeric, or even harissa to create a different flavor profile.
- Wrap It Up: Instead of serving the chicken on a plate, consider wrapping it in a pita with a dollop of sauce and fresh veggies for a delightful wrap.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their moisture and flavor. If you use breasts, be mindful of the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
2. How long does the marination process take?
A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended, but for the best flavor, consider marinating for a few hours or overnight.
3. What sides pair best with Chicken Shawarma Tower?
Best pairings include rice, pita bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. Toppings like hummus and tzatziki also work wonderfully.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Cook the tower when you’re ready to serve, and it remains a showstopper dish that’s sure to impress!
Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
Equipment
- Skewers
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 Red onion
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Ground coriander
- 2 tsp Ground paprika
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
- Cut the chicken thighs into strips and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the red onion into thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
- Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers, alternating with onion slices to form a tower-like structure.
- Place the skewers on the baking sheet over the onion slices. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully slice the chicken off the skewers and serve with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
