What To Serve With Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen and explore new flavors. But what goes best with it?
Here, we take a look at some of the tastiest side dishes to make your shawarma experience even more special. From traditional accompaniments to modern twists, there’s something for everyone.
So put on your chef hat and let’s get started!
Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are the perfect accompaniment to a delicious chicken shawarma. Whether it’s a savory grains pilaf or a refreshing couscous salad, there is something for everyone.
Grains pilaf is a vegetable-filled rice dish that can be cooked in one pot for an easy and flavorful meal. It can be served warm or cold with spices like paprika, cumin and oregano.
For a lighter option, couscous salad is the way to go. This flavorful option features quick-cooking couscous mixed with vegetables, herbs, and vinaigrette dressing.
Both of these dishes provide the perfect base for your shawarma dinner with wholesome flavors and nutrition in every bite. As a result, these two dishes make the ideal side dish to serve alongside your chicken shawarma.
With these two options on the table, you’ll have all the elements of a delicious and satisfying meal.
Salads
Chicken shawarma is always complemented perfectly by the perfect side dish and salads are no exception.
Middle Eastern style salads, such as tabouleh, fattoush, or tabbouleh, can add a delicious punch of flavor to your meal. These salads are typically made with bulgur wheat and a mix of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.
Mediterranean style salads featuring feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts are also popular accompaniments to chicken shawarma. Both types of salads provide an interesting contrast in texture to the flavorful chicken shawarma.
The addition of fresh herbs like mint or dill adds an extra level of flavor that pairs well with the marinated chicken.
By combining all of these ingredients together you can create a side salad that is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or dinner party.
To make your meal complete, consider adding some breads or pita to your plate. This will give your guests something to mop up any extra sauce they may have on their plate while providing them with yet another opportunity to enjoy the flavors of the Middle East.
Breads And Pita
A great accompaniment to chicken shawarma is breads and pita. These light, delicious breads can be used as a wrap for many of the ingredients involved in making shawarma. From fluffy flour tortillas to delicate pita chips, these breads have the power to elevate any meal with their crisp texture and subtle flavor.
For a classic flavor combination with chicken shawarma, consider the integration of flour tortillas. This versatile option allows for a wide range of customization to suit your tastes – from adding hummus or tahini sauce to topping with pickles or olives.
Here’s a 4-item numeric list that help you get started:
1. Hummus
2. Tahini Sauce
3. Pickles
4. Olives
Pita chips are also an excellent option if you’re looking for something more crunchy than traditional flatbreads. They come in an array of flavors, such as garlic and herb or onion and chive, so they can easily complement any dish while providing extra texture and pizzazz! Plus, they make great dippers for sauces and dips like tzatziki or baba ganoush.
Sauces And Dips
A delicious meal is not complete without the right sauces and dips. Chicken shawarma is no exception, as the right condiment can take this already flavorful dish to a whole new level.
A few of the most popular accompaniments to chicken shawarma include tahini sauce and yogurt sauce.
Tahini sauce is made up of sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oil. It has a thick consistency that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken shawarma. The combination of ingredients creates a creamy and nutty flavor that is sure to add zest to your meal.
Yogurt sauce is also a popular choice for chicken shawarma lovers. This smooth and creamy combination of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oil serves as a refreshing complement to the dish’s intense flavors. Not only does it add a hint of tartness but it also helps to balance out the savory elements of the dish.
These two sauces are a great way to elevate your chicken shawarma experience! From adding creaminess to bringing out more flavor notes in every bite – they make for perfect complements that will delight any palate.
With vegetables and fruits on the side being added soon, this dish is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience!
Vegetables And Fruits
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the spice-filled markets of Istanbul, chicken shawarma has been a beloved dish for centuries. Its richly spiced, succulent flavors come alive when paired with the right side dishes. Pickled cucumbers, roasted eggplant, and other vegetables and fruits provide an array of textures and tastes that complement this Eastern Mediterranean favorite.
For a classic accompaniment to your chicken shawarma, consider pickled cucumbers. These tangy slices are often served with dill and garlic cloves to add extra flavor. A small helping will enhance your meal with tartness while not overpowering the main dish.
Roasted eggplant is another popular side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to serve it mashed or sliced thin and fried, it adds a creamy element to your plate.
Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce also make an excellent choice when serving chicken shawarma. You can either chop them finely and sprinkle on top of your meal or serve them as part of a salad alongside hummus or tahini sauce – the options are endless! Whatever you decide, these vegetables will provide crunchy texture as well as additional nutritional benefits to round out your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Store Chicken Shawarma?
When it comes to cooking tips and storage tips for chicken shawarma, the best way to store it is by wrapping it tightly in a food-safe container.
This will help to keep the shawarma moist and flavorful.
To ensure that your shawarma stays as fresh as possible, make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
If you’re planning on eating it later, you can also freeze your chicken shawarma for up to two months.
For maximum freshness, reheat in an oven or microwave before serving.
What Type Of Meat Is Used In Chicken Shawarma?
Juxtaposing the idea of innovation with the age-old cooking method of chicken shawarma, we find a tasty and surprisingly healthy meal.
Chicken shawarma is typically made with marinated boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and spiced with cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder and other savory spices.
The rotisserie-cooked meat is then thinly sliced off and served in warm pita bread or flatbreads with accompaniments such as garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
It’s no wonder why this traditional Middle Eastern dish has become so popular around the world!
Is Chicken Shawarma Healthy?
When it comes to eating habits, chicken shawarma is a great option. Packed with health benefits and plenty of flavor, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
While it contains proteins and carbohydrates, it also has the right amounts of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber that your body needs. The spices used in this dish are known to help reduce inflammation and enhance immunity. Plus, the lean chicken will ensure you get lean protein without too many calories.
All in all, eating chicken shawarma regularly is a great way to stay healthy!
How Long Does It Take To Make Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in as little as 20 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to serve it with a side of hummus and pita, or pair it with a traditional Greek salad, chicken shawarma is sure to be a hit.
With an interesting statistic like this, it’s easy to see why so many people are opting for this flavorful option when it comes to their meal planning.
This quick-cooking dish is ideal for those looking for an innovative way to get dinner on the table fast!
What Is A Good Substitute For Chicken Shawarma?
Looking for a vegan or vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken shawarma? Look no further than some delicious rice dishes!
You can easily recreate the classic flavors of shawarma with some creative and innovative ingredients. Want to add a zesty twist? Try mixing in some fresh herbs, citrus juice, and spices to switch up the flavor profile.
For an even healthier option, substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. There are plenty of options out there that will have you enjoying all the same flavors without any of the meat!
Conclusion
The key to making a delicious chicken shawarma is using the right type of meat and storing it correctly. Chicken is the most popular choice, though other meats can be used as well. When stored properly, chicken shawarma can last for up to a week and is a great healthy meal option. The process of preparing this dish can take some time, but it’s worth every minute.
If you don’t have access to chicken, there are plenty of alternatives that work just as well.
To accompany your chicken shawarma, try serving it with pita bread and condiments like tahini or hummus.
As the old adage goes, ‘variety is the spice of life’; so don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dishes! With a bit of experimentation, you’re sure to find something perfect for your next homemade chicken shawarma dinner.