When I run across a recipe with a lot of 5-star ratings it always gets my attention, because I personally know how hard it is to get even a terrific recipe rated. So when I read New York Times' Sam Sifton's Chicken Shawarma recipe with nearly 19,000 5-stars I just had to try it.

Why I Love this Chicken Shawarma Recipe

I love this delicious recipe for so many reasons. It is suitable for a weeknight dinner, particularly if you accompany it with some store bought items like hummus and olives. At the same time it is definitely suitable for a casual dinner party. And finally, it presents beautifully on a large platter, which is my favorite way to serve a meal.

Super Easy Sheet Pan Technique

This chicken is quick and easy to make, but requires a little planning ahead to marinade the chicken. Allow 1  to 12 hours to marinade and then simply roast the chicken with some red onions on a sheet pan. Remove from the oven, allow to rest a few minutes and then slice into bite-sized pieces.

My Version

As per usual, I do make a few changes to the original recipe, but not many. In the original recipe Sam Shifton suggests you take the cooked chicken from the oven, slice it and toss it in a pan on high heat to get the edges of the chicken extra crispy. I tried it both ways and prefer the chicken simply roasted in the oven. It comes out tender and succulent right from the oven and further cooking just serves more to dry it out than crisp it up.

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Please use smoked Spanish paprika for this recipe. In fact if you have a regular jar of paprika in your spice cabinet throw it out and replace it with Spanish paprika. Spanish paprika provides a smokey rich flavor, while regular American paprika provides only color. La Dahlia, from Spain, is my favorite brand. It comes in both sweet and hot varieties. You can try their 3-pack of paprika flavors to learn your favorite.

Chicken Shawarma Accompaniments

The fun thing about this chicken dish is getting creative with the accompaniments. It goes without saying that you should serve it with a good pita or Middle Eastern bread. I think Trader Joe's Middle Eastern Flatbread is a great option. After that, serve it with a variety of side dishes and dips, including:  humus, baba ganoush, eggplant & yogurt sauce, tzatziki sauce, olives, tabouli, dolmas, feta drizzled with olive oil or Mike's hot honey, fried halloumi cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, red peppers, radish slices and lots of fresh herbs.

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Many of these accompaniments can be bought at Middle Eastern markets, Trader Joe's or even the supermarket. This gives you the option to custom make some of the sides or purchase them. The resulting platter will be nothing short of mouthwatering.

A Taco Adaptation

This chicken would also make excellent tacos served with avocado, radish slices, tomato, feta and finely chopped romaine lettuce. Print