Craving the delicious flavors of a chicken shawarma but don’t have hours to spend marinating and grilling? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to create a mouth-watering chicken shawarma recipe in a pressure cooker. With just a handful of ingredients and a fraction of the usual cooking time, you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices, all wrapped up in a warm pita. Get ready to satisfy those shawarma cravings in no time!
Ingredients
To make delicious Chicken Shawarma in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are the perfect choice for making Shawarma as they are juicy and flavorful. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for convenience.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a key ingredient in the marinade as it helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the marinade. It also helps to tenderize the chicken.
Garlic cloves
Garlic cloves add a delicious aromatic flavor to the Shawarma. Make sure to mince the garlic finely to distribute the flavor evenly.
Cumin
Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that gives Shawarma its signature taste. It adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Paprika
Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to the marinade. It also enhances the visual appeal of the Shawarma.
Ground coriander
Ground coriander adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade. It complements the other spices and adds complexity to the dish.
Turmeric
Turmeric not only adds a beautiful golden color to the marinade but also provides a mild earthy flavor. It is also known for its health benefits.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the Shawarma. Adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
Salt
Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the taste of the Shawarma. Add it to taste.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a hint of heat and a nice aromatic flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil not only adds richness to the marinade but also helps in distributing the flavors evenly and keeping the chicken moist during cooking.
Marinade Preparation
To prepare the marinade, follow these simple steps:
- In a bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Stir the ingredients until well combined, ensuring that all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
The marinade is now ready to be used for the chicken.
Chicken Preparation
Properly preparing the chicken is essential for making delicious Shawarma. Follow these steps:
- Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
- Place the chicken strips in the marinade, making sure that each strip is well coated with the mixture.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours. For the best results, you can marinate the chicken overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it tender and flavorful.
The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. So, if you have the time, marinate it overnight for the best results.
Pressure Cooker Setup
A pressure cooker is a great tool for making Chicken Shawarma quickly and effortlessly. Here’s how to set it up:
- Place the trivet or a steamer rack in the pressure cooker. This elevates the food off the bottom of the cooker, preventing it from sticking or burning.
- Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. This water will create steam, which will help cook the chicken evenly and keep it moist.
Make sure to follow the instructions of your specific pressure cooker model for setting it up and adding water.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken in the pressure cooker:
- Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, shaking off any excess marinade.
- Place the chicken strips on the trivet or steamer rack in the pressure cooker. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer, without overlapping.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Set the pressure cooker to high pressure mode and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure manually according to the instructions of your pressure cooker model. This will allow the steam to escape safely.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pressure cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon.
The chicken should be cooked through and infused with all the delicious flavors of the marinade.
Broiling the Chicken
To achieve that crispy and slightly charred texture, follow these steps to broil the cooked chicken strips:
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken strips are slightly charred and crispy.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent it from burning.
Broiling the chicken strips adds a delicious crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the Shawarma.
Assembling the Shawarma
Now that the chicken is cooked and crispy, it’s time to assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a stovetop. This will make it easier to roll and ensure that it stays soft and pliable.
- Once the pita bread is warm, spread a generous amount of hummus or garlic sauce on one side of the bread. This will serve as the base for the Shawarma.
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles on top of the sauce. These fresh vegetables will provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the flavorful chicken.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken Shawarma on top of the vegetables. Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly for a balanced taste in each bite.
- Roll the pita bread tightly, starting from one end and working your way to the other end, securing it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help hold the Shawarma together and make it easier to eat.
Now your delicious and flavorful Chicken Shawarma is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
To complete your Shawarma experience, consider these serving suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken Shawarma immediately while it’s still warm. This ensures that the flavors are at their best and the bread stays soft.
- Pair the Shawarma with a side salad or fries for a complete and satisfying meal. The freshness of a salad or the crispy texture of fries will complement the Shawarma perfectly.
- Don’t forget to have extra sauces and condiments on the side, such as tahini sauce, hot sauce, or tzatziki. These will add an extra burst of flavor to your Shawarma.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma!
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your Shawarma experience:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sumac or za’atar seasoning on the Shawarma before assembling. These Middle Eastern spices will add an extra layer of complexity and aroma.
- If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can also cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Make sure to flip the chicken strips occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize the toppings and condiments according to your preference. You can add ingredients like sliced onions, parsley, or even some spicy peppers for an extra kick.
- You can also use chicken breast or a combination of chicken breast and thighs for the Shawarma. This allows you to control the level of fat in the dish while still enjoying the flavors.
Feel free to experiment with different variations and make the Chicken Shawarma your own!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully made delicious and flavorful Chicken Shawarma in a pressure cooker. This recipe offers a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional methods.
By marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices and cooking it under pressure, you ensure that each bite is tender, juicy, and packed with delicious flavors.
Whether you’re serving it at a party or preparing a quick dinner at home, this Chicken Shawarma recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and refreshing toppings wrapped in warm pita bread.
Try out this recipe and savor the taste of homemade Chicken Shawarma today!