Easy chicken shawarma

This is made possible by BBC Foods!

Ingredients

For the labneh

• 500g/1lb 2oz thick Greek yoghurt
• ½ tsp salt

For the chicken

• 8-12 chicken thigh fillets, skinned
• 2 lemons, juice only
• 50ml/2fl oz olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne or red chilli powder
• 2 bay leaves, crushed
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. To make the labneh, line a colander or sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth or muslin and place over a bowl small enough to fit in your fridge.

2. Pour in the yogurt and add ½ tsp salt. Wrap the cloth around it and tie into a bunch, then leave to strain.

   1. Preferably leave overnight.

3. Put the chicken thighs in a large food bag or bowl and season well. Whisk the lemon juice and oil together then add the garlic, spices and bay leaves.

4. Mix thoroughly and pour over the chicken, rubbing in using your hands. If you prefer to keep your hands clean and you are using a bag.

5. Leave to marinade in the fridge, covered for at least 2 hours.

   1. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.

6. To cook the chicken, heat a grill or griddle pan and scrape off any excess marinade from the chicken.

7. Over a medium heat, grill or griddle the chicken, turning frequently, for around 20 minutes,  before slicing up and serving with the labneh.

Banner and Image Credit: rawf8