What To Know
- Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of butter chicken shawarma, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the vibrant spices of India with the succulent flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Follow our comprehensive guide to embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to make butter chicken shawarma in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful shawarma.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of butter chicken shawarma, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the vibrant spices of India with the succulent flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. This delectable dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Follow our comprehensive guide to embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to make butter chicken shawarma in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup butter chicken masala
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shawarma:
- 1 pound pita bread
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter chicken masala
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Chicken Marinade
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the butter chicken marinade. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, butter chicken masala, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma
Spread some of the butter chicken sauce on a pita bread. Top with the cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cilantro, red cabbage, green bell pepper, red onion, and carrots. Fold the pita bread in half and press down to seal.
Step 5: Heat the Shawarma
Heat a griddle or panini press over medium heat. Grill the shawarma for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the butter chicken shawarma immediately with additional butter chicken sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy the tantalizing flavors.
Experiment with Variations
- Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for a juicier shawarma.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables to the shawarma, such as grilled zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Sauce Variations: Adjust the spiciness of the butter chicken sauce by adding more or less red chili powder.
Tips for Success
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful shawarma.
- Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to prevent any foodborne illness.
- Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: The butter chicken sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread before assembling the shawarma to make it more pliable and easier to fold.
The Art of Presentation
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the visual appeal of the shawarma by garnishing it with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Cut the Shawarma into Bite-Sized Pieces: Cut the shawarma into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Serve with a Variety of Sides: Accompany the butter chicken shawarma with various sides such as basmati rice, hummus, or a fresh salad.
What You Need to Learn
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be slightly drier than chicken thighs.
2. How can I make the shawarma spicier?
Add more red chili powder to the butter chicken marinade and sauce to increase the spiciness.
3. Can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shawarma ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat it before serving.
