I recently discovered a new favorite dish at a Lebanese restaurant in Philadelphia: keto chicken shawarma. As someone who follows a low-carb diet, I was very happy to find a flavorful and satisfying meal that fits within my dietary restrictions.
For those who are unfamiliar, shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish typically made with marinated meat that is cooked on a spit and then shaved off and served in a pita or wrap. The keto version replaces the traditional bread with a lettuce wrap. Additionally, it swaps out the sugary marinade for a blend of spices and healthy fats.
The result is a delicious and nutritious meal that is high in protein and low in carbs. Whether you are following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fast food, keto chicken shawarma is a must-try dish.
I recently had the pleasure of trying keto chicken shawarma for the first time, and it was delicious. This dish consisted of tender, marinated chicken that had been slow-cooked on a spit until it was juicy and flavorful. The chicken was served with various toppings, including sliced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, as well as a generous dollop of tahini sauce.
One of the things that I loved about this dish was the way the different flavors and textures came together. The chicken was savory and slightly smoky, while the fresh vegetables added a crisp crunch. The tahini sauce was creamy and rich, with just a hint of nuttiness that complemented the other flavors perfectly.
Overall, I would highly recommend trying it if you haven’t already. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, low-carb meal packed with flavor.
The ingredients contain: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of fine salt (not flaked)
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 4 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
How to Make Keto Chicken Shawarma?
- To make keto chicken shawarma, first, combine the chicken shawarma marinade ingredients with the chicken thighs in a spacious ziplock bag.
- Marinate the chicken for 1 – 8 hours or overnight.
1st Cooking Option – Cooking the chicken shawarma on a grill
- Take the chicken out of the refrigerator around 20 minutes before cooking and let it reach room temperature.
- Put the chicken thighs on the heated grill grates, close the lid, and grill for 3-4 minutes. Then, flip the chicken thighs and cook the opposite side for another 3-4 minutes or until fully done. Utilize a thermometer to verify that the thickest section of each chicken thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2nd Cooking Option – Cooking the chicken shawarma on the stove
- I choose to cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a seasoned cast iron skillet. If available, a cast-iron grill pan would create nice grill marks on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken thighs for approximately 4-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they are fully cooked through at the thickest part.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the thickest part of each chicken thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3rd Cooking Option – Cooking the chicken shawarma in the oven
- For convenient cleaning, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper; avoid using foil as the chicken may adhere to it.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for approximately 25 to 35 minutes, or until the thickest part of each chicken thigh is fully cooked.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the thickest part of each chicken thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can make delicious shawarma at home.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing suggestions for this keto shawarma, there are a few options that work well. Since this dish is quite flavorful on its own, it’s important to find sides and accompaniments that complement the spices and herbs used in the chicken.
Salad: One great option is a simple salad made with fresh greens, cucumber, and tomato. The coolness of the vegetables helps to balance out the warmth of the chicken, and the crispness of the greens adds a nice texture contrast. I like to dress my salad with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey.
Roasted Vegetables: Another good choice is roasted vegetables. I particularly like roasted cauliflower or broccoli, as the caramelized edges of the veggies add a nice depth of flavor that works well with the shawarma. You could also try roasted eggplant or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, you could try serving the shawarma with cauliflower rice or a cauliflower mash. These low-carb alternatives to traditional rice or mashed potatoes are a great way to add some substance to the meal without adding too many carbs.
Some more ideas can be:
- Grilled or roasted fish, such as salmon or cod
- A creamy avocado salad
- A side of olives or pickles
- Roasted or grilled mushrooms
- A simple yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic
Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Shawarma
As a fan of keto and Middle Eastern cuisine, I’ve experimented with different ways to make the perfect dish. Here are some tips that I’ve found to be helpful:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. They also have a higher fat content, which is perfect for the keto diet. Make sure to remove any excess fat before marinating.
- Marinate overnight: Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender. Use a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic.
- Use a grill or grill pan: Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor and crispy texture. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan works just as well.
- Serve with keto-friendly toppings: Traditional shawarma toppings like hummus and pita bread are not keto-friendly. Instead, try toppings like tzatziki sauce, pickled vegetables, and lettuce wraps.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and keto-friendly version of chicken shawarma that will satisfy your craving for Middle Eastern cuisine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to making keto chicken shawarma, there are a few common mistakes that people tend to make. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your shawarma turns out perfectly every time.
First, make sure that you are using the right cut of chicken. Chicken thighs tend to work best for shawarma, as they are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. If you do use chicken breasts, make sure to marinate them for at least a few hours to help infuse them with flavor.
Another common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Shawarma should be juicy and tender, not dry and tough. Make sure to cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but don’t cook it for too long or it will dry out.
Finally, be careful not to overload your shawarma with toppings. While it can be tempting to pile on the veggies and sauces, too many toppings can make your shawarma difficult to eat and can overpower the flavor of the chicken. Stick to a few key toppings, like sliced tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce, for the perfect balance of flavors.
Variations of Keto Chicken Shawarma
As I mentioned earlier, one of the great things about keto chicken shawarma is that it’s so versatile. There are countless ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes, and you can experiment with different spices, marinades, and toppings to create a meal that’s truly your own.
Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
- Greek-style shawarma: Swap out the cumin and coriander for oregano and lemon juice, and top your chicken with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Indian-style shawarma: Add some garam masala, turmeric, and ginger to your spice mix, and serve your chicken with a side of raita (a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and mint) and some naan bread (if you’re not strictly keto).
- Mexican-style shawarma: Use chili powder, cumin, and lime juice in your marinade, and top your chicken with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Mediterranean-style shawarma: Use a blend of za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice mix), sumac, and lemon juice in your marinade, and serve your chicken with a side of hummus and some pita bread (again, if you’re not strictly keto).
Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your unique version. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying out this keto chicken shawarma recipe. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional shawarma that won’t leave you feeling guilty about indulging in your cravings.
With its flavorful blend of spices and tender chicken, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to make and you can enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner option.
If you’re looking to switch up your meal prep routine or simply want to try something new, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking and feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces. Whether you’re following a keto diet or not, this dish is a great addition to any meal plan.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up some delicious shawarma today!
By the way, after having shawarma, you can have keto halva for dessert.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
