Chicken Shawarma Tacos

Chicken Shawarma Tacos are a fusion of bold Middle Eastern flavors and classic taco-style presentation. The juicy, spiced chicken is marinated to perfection and paired with a delicious Shirazi salad and creamy tahini sauce, all nestled in crispy taco shells. These tacos are a flavorful twist on the traditional taco, making them a fun and unique meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chicken Shawarma Tacos combine the smoky, savory, and tangy flavors of shawarma with the comfort and crunch of taco shells. The chicken marinated in yogurt and spices becomes incredibly tender, and when shredded, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors. Topped with fresh Shirazi salad and creamy tahini sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re craving something different for Taco Tuesday or looking to impress at a dinner party, these tacos are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

• 3/4 cup yogurt

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (or 3 tablespoons)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 large chicken breasts

For Serving:

• Hard shell tacos

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• Shirazi salad

• Tahini sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Marinade:

1. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, coriander, salt, black pepper, yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic cloves. Stir well to combine.

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and coat them evenly with the marinade mixture. Cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 12 hours (overnight works best).

Cook the Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the marinated chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Shred the Chicken:

1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Use a hand mixer or two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Tacos:

1. Arrange the hard shell tacos in a baking dish. Fill each taco shell with the shredded chicken.

2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over the chicken in each taco.

Bake the Tacos:

1. Bake the tacos in the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tacos are heated through.

Serve:

1. Remove the tacos from the oven and top with Shirazi salad and a drizzle of tahini sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Marinate Time: 12 hours

• Total Time: 12 hours 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a plant-based shawarma taco.

• Taco Shells: Use soft flour tortillas instead of hard taco shells for a different texture and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tacos for an extra layer of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can reheat the tacos in the oven to melt the cheese again.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They may take a little less time to cook, so be sure to check the internal temperature.

2. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just coat the chicken when you’re ready to marinate it.

3. Can I make the Shirazi salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Shirazi salad a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld together as it sits.

4. How can I make the tacos spicier?

Add some chopped fresh jalapeños to the chicken shawarma mixture or drizzle hot sauce on top of the tacos for some extra heat.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, grilling the marinated chicken would add a nice smoky flavor. Grill the chicken on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

6. Can I serve these tacos with a side dish?

Absolutely! These tacos would pair well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad on the side.

7. Can I freeze the leftover chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it when needed.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

9. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making my own?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought taco seasoning. Just adjust the amount to taste.

10. Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts for a quicker cook time?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts cook faster. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma Tacos are a delicious and creative twist on traditional tacos, with the vibrant flavors of shawarma and a fresh topping of Shirazi salad and tahini sauce. The marinade makes the chicken juicy and flavorful, while the cheese adds a delicious, melted topping. These tacos are quick to prepare, fun to eat, and a great way to enjoy a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors. Enjoy these tacos for a unique and satisfying meal!

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