What is Chicken Shawarma?
Traditionally, Chicken Shawarma is slowly cooked on a rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices into a pita. My version in this soup uses use chicken thighs resulting in a tender and juicy protein that’ll you’ll love just as much. Shawarma is typically very garlicky as well!
What you’ll need for Chicken Shawarma Soup
Boneless, skinless chicken breastsChicken Shawarma seasoning (recipe below)Olive OilLemon JuiceCarrotsOnionCeleryChicken Broth or Vegetable brothWaterWild RiceGarnish ideas: yogurt/sour cream, cilantroServe with warm pita bread
Homemade Chicken Shawarma Seasoning
You can purchase shawarma seasoning at the store, or you can make your own! I think the secret to making this soup is the warm spices added in…they provide so much flavor! Mix the following ingredients together:
2 Tbsp. coriander 1 tsp. Allspice1 tsp. Cinnamon1 tsp. Paprika1 tsp. Cumin1/2 tsp. ground Ginger1/2 tsp. Turmeric1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
How to make Chicken Shawarma Soup
Cut your chicken thighs into bite sized pieces. Then, make the marinade for the chicken. In a large ziplock baggie, mix the chicken thigh pieces with 2 Tbsp. shawarma seasoning, 3 Tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Marinate your chicken thighs for 1-2 hours, or overnight if you’d like. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil. Add in garlic and then the mirepoix: chopped onion, carrots and celery. Cook for about 6-10 minutes stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and fragrant. Add in 4 cups broth, 2 cups water and then the chicken. Bring to a boil, and then down to a simmer with the lid on until the chicken is cooked, about 20-30 minutes. Lastly, add in the jasmine or basmati white rice and place the lid back on and cook for another 15-20 minutes on simmer or until the rice has cooked. Serve warm with pita bread and garnish with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes! This recipe is also great with lamb or beef.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so the brown may take about 20 minutes longer to cook.
Other soup recipes you will love:
Italian Wedding Soup Crockpot Minestrone Soup Pistachio Pumpkin Soup Vegan One Pot Butternut Squash Soup
