Nigerian Shawarma is the ''Nigerian-style'' of the famous Shawarma (made with beef or chicken filling). This tasty snack has become a popular meal on the streets of Nigeria and is also one of the most requested recipes I have received.
Years back, I used to get mine at the eatery and also wondered how I could re-make this tasty snack at home with basic spices readily available in most Nigerian kitchens;including the Shawarma bread & the tasty meat filling..After some trials, I finally got the perfect mix (I just love making my food from scratch☺).
This recipe is deliciously addicting and so easy to prepare, that you'll want to make Shawarma everyday. All said, this is my Nigerian -style Chicken Shawarma Recipe. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Nigerian Chicken Shawarma
This makes about 6+ large Shawarma wraps
*2 Chicken breasts(de-boned/boneless)
*2 Chicken Thighs(a.k.a Chicken laps)(de-boned/boneless)(You can also use de-boned/boneless beef )
*6+ Shawarma bread(either pita bread/flour tortilla wraps/
*1 small sized Cabbage(cut into thin strips)
*3 medium sized Carrots(grated or cut into thin strips)
*1 large Cucumber(cut into thin strips&circles)
*2 big Tomatoes(cut into thin strips)
*1 medium sized Onions(cut into thin strips)
*Ketchup
*Mayonnaise(see how to make it at home)
*1 Tablespoon Vegetable /olive oil(For stir frying)
For the marinade:
*1 teaspoon thyme
*2 teaspoon curry(I used ducros brand)
*1 teaspoon onion powder/2 teaspoons minced onions
*1 teaspoon garlic powder/2 teaspoons minced garlic
*1 large chicken stock cube/bouillon cube(crushed into powder)
*Half a teaspoon black pepper
*Chilli pepper to taste
*Salt to taste(optional because the stock cube already has salt)
*1 Tablespoon Vegetable /olive oil
* Wash and Cut the vegetables into thin strip(if you haven't done that yet) and set aside.
Also Cut the chicken or beef into thin strips and set aside.
Tip: I always recommend,using a combination of Chicken thighs&Breasts,because the fat from the thighs adds extra flavor and compliments the taste of the chicken breast.
* Place the chicken strips into a bowl,add the marinade and mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Then cover and store in the fridge for 2 to 24 hours(depending all how much time you have).
Tip: I actually don't wait 24 hours, I just do store overnight or for 2-3 hours,but I realized that the longer the meat marinades, the better it tastes.
* In a pan, Heat up a tablespoonful of oil.Add the marinated chicken/beef &Stir fry until juicy and brown. Scoop unto a plate and set aside.
* Mix some mayonnaise and ketchup together(''mayo-ketch'' spread).
Place a shawarma bread on a clean flat surface and cut into two equal sizes(that's if you are using a large pita bread).
But if using a very flat bread or tortilla wraps, simply, spread the ''mayo-ketch'' on it and then fill it with the sliced vegetables on one end and Sprinkle some chili pepper(optional);
Tip: if you want to warm it up a bit, place on a heated pan for 3 minutes(the closed edge facing the pan). If you have a microwave or sandwich maker, feel free to use those too.
And your Homemade Nigerian Chicken Shawarma is ready... Enjoy!
Quick Note: There are several breads used for making shawarma; which includes, Pita bread,Naan bread, flour tortilla wraps and a lot more. Just make use of any one you have... it also tastes great in sliced bread(sandwich bread) and our local Agege bread☺ ..yes oo!
Enjoy, leave a comment & send me your pic..☺
++see how to make the flat bread++
