Hyderabadi Tongues Kitchen Hyderabadi chicken shawarma Street style Cook by Hyderabadi tongues Kitchen, #chicken …

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Hyderabadi Chicken Shawarma: Street Style at Home

If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of Hyderabad, you know that the aroma of freshly made shawarma can pull you in from blocks away. This Middle Eastern delicacy, often served in a wrap or as a platter, has become a beloved street food in various Indian cities, especially Hyderabad. The unique blend of spices and succulent chicken makes it irresistible. The good news is that you can whip up this delectable dish at home, and when you do, you might just forget all about street vendors!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams chicken (boneless, preferably thighs for juiciness)
• 4 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 5-6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• Pita bread or khubz
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions)
• Pickles (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ginger paste, and spices. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Cut the chicken into thin strips and coat it with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken

You can cook the marinated chicken in various ways—grilling, pan-frying, or baking. If you want that authentic street-style char, grilling is ideal. Preheat your grill or a pan on medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes on each side. If you’re baking, preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.

3. Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the shawarma sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

4. Assemble Your Shawarma

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. To assemble, take a piece of pita bread or khubz and layer it with a generous amount of chicken. Top it with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

5. Enjoy!

Wrap the shawarma tightly and enjoy it with your favorite side—be it fries, salad, or simply on its own. With each bite, you’ll be transported straight to the vibrant streets of Hyderabad.

Conclusion

Making Hyderabadi Chicken Shawarma at home is not only satisfying but also a great way to impress family and friends. Once you master this recipe, you may find yourself craving homemade shawarma instead of the street-side version! The perfect blend of spices, juicy chicken, and fresh ingredients truly makes this dish a winner. Enjoy this culinary journey, and let the flavors of Hyderabad fill your kitchen!