Nwe trand أسهل شاورمة بالبيت #اكسبلور
Nwe trand أسهل شاورمة بالبيت 😍 #اكسبلور is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Abwde on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $9.07 total, $2.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless Chicken Breast (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Chicken Broth Powder (adds umami)
- ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Tomato Sauce (plain, no added sugar)
- 1 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses (adds sweet‑tart depth)
- 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (Greek or regular, full‑fat)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for pan‑frying)
- 4 pieces Pita Bread (Arabic Flatbread) (soft, pocket‑style)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (for spreading on pita)
- 8 slices Pickles (cucumber or turnip pickles, thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Red Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp Additional Lemon Juice (for dressing the veggie mix)
Instructions
Slice the Chicken
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cut it into thin, bite‑size strips (about ½ cm thick).
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Spice Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine paprika, black pepper, salt, chicken broth powder, ground cardamom, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, and pomegranate molasses. Add the yogurt and lemon juice, then stir until a smooth paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the bowl, toss to coat evenly with the spice paste. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients (or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Time: PT5M
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Prepare the Veggie Mix
While the chicken cooks, shred the red cabbage, slice the green bell pepper, and place them in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice, toss, and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Spread Condiments on Pita
Lay each pita flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one half of each pita. Add a few slices of pickles on top of the mayo.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
Place a generous portion of cooked chicken strips down the center of each pita. Top with the cabbage‑pepper mix, then roll the pita tightly, folding the sides inward.
Time: PT5M
Final Pan‑Fry (Optional Crispy Finish)
Wipe the skillet clean, return to medium‑high heat, and place each rolled shawarma seam‑side down. Press gently and fry 1‑2 minutes per side until the bread is lightly crisp and golden.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Serve
Transfer the hot shawarma wraps to a serving plate, cut in half if desired, and enjoy while warm.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High protein, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy (yogurt, mayonnaise), Gluten (pita bread), Egg (mayonnaise, if commercial)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Chicken Breast: Chicken thigh fillets, Turkey breast strips
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, Sweet chili powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Chicken Broth Powder: Bouillon cube (crushed), Vegetable broth powder
- Instead of Ground Cardamom: Ground cinnamon (smaller amount)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely grated fresh onion (½ small onion)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Ketchup (reduced sugar), Tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Pomegranate Molasses: Date syrup, Balsamic reduction
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: Sour cream, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, White wine vinegar (½ tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Pita Bread (Arabic Flatbread): Tortilla, Naan
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Tahini
- Instead of Pickles: Olives, Pickled jalapeños
- Instead of Red Cabbage: Green cabbage, Shredded lettuce
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Jalapeño (less sweet)
- Instead of Additional Lemon Juice: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Frying Pan / Skillet
- Wooden Skewers (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken with the spice‑yogurt paste
- Cooking the chicken strips until just golden (avoid over‑cooking)
- Using skewers or stacking strips to mimic traditional shawarma shape
- Final quick pan‑fry to crisp the pita without drying the filling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Slice the chicken against the grain for tenderness.
- Use a hot pan and let it preheat before adding oil for a better sear.
- If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Serve with a side of garlic sauce or tahini for added richness.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry.
Do not over‑cook; keep cooking time to 3‑4 minutes per side and use the yogurt in the marinade to retain moisture.
Wrap becomes soggy after assembling.
Pat the cooked chicken and veggies dry with paper towels, and give the final pan‑fry a minute to crisp the pita.
Spice paste is too thick or clumpy.
Add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to loosen; mix until smooth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken, veggie mix, and assembled wraps separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Raw marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking. Cooked wraps are not recommended for freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled wraps at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the cabbage‑pepper mix and store in a sealed container; add lemon juice just before assembling.
- Cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat briefly in the skillet before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken shawarma in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Chicken shawarma originated in the Levant as a street‑food staple, where thinly sliced marinated meat is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off for sandwiches. It reflects the region’s love for aromatic spices, quick grilling, and communal eating.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken shawarma in Lebanese and Turkish cuisine?
In Lebanon, shawarma is often served with garlic‑yogurt sauce, pickles, and fresh herbs inside pita. Turkish döner‑kebab, a close cousin, uses a slightly different spice blend and is commonly topped with tomato, onion, and sumac.
How is authentic chicken shawarma traditionally served in the Levant?
Authentic shawarma is wrapped in soft Arabic flatbread (pita) with pickled vegetables, fresh salad, tahini or garlic‑yogurt sauce, and sometimes a drizzle of hot chili oil. It is usually eaten hot, handheld, and shared among friends.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken shawarma traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?
Shawarma is a popular snack for Ramadan evenings, family gatherings, and street‑food festivals. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for late‑night meals after fasting or for casual weekend get‑togethers.
What makes chicken shawarma special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The unique combination of a tangy yogurt‑lemon marinade, warm spices like cardamom and paprika, and the high‑heat grilling creates a juicy, slightly smoky flavor that distinguishes shawarma from other grilled meats.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken shawarma at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, using too much oil which makes the wrap soggy, and not letting the spice paste rest on the meat. Keep cooking time short, pat the chicken dry before assembling, and let the marinade sit for at least 5 minutes.
Why does this chicken shawarma recipe use yogurt and lemon juice in the marinade instead of a dry rub?
Yogurt and lemon juice act as tenderizers, breaking down protein fibers and keeping the chicken moist during the quick pan‑fry, while also adding a bright tang that balances the warm spices.
Can I make the chicken shawarma ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated briefly in a skillet before assembling the wraps.
What does the YouTube channel Abwde specialize in?
The YouTube channel Abwde focuses on quick, home‑cooked Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple ingredients and easy techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Abwde's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Abwde blends authentic flavor profiles with modern, time‑saving shortcuts, such as using a stovetop pan instead of a vertical rotisserie, making traditional dishes like shawarma accessible to home cooks without specialized equipment.
Last updated: August 15, 2026








