Sam Sifton’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma – Proof Positive

Sam Sifton’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma

• 3 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless (Breast works too, but careful not to overcook.)
• 1 large red onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 T chopped fresh parsley

Marinade

• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/2 c olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 t each freshly ground black pepper, ground cumin, paprika
• 1 t kosher salt
• 1/2 t turmeric
• a pinch ground cinnamon
• 1/4 – 1/2 t red pepper flakes, to taste

In a large bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and store in refrigerator for at least one, up to 12 hours. Heat oven to 425F. Add onion to the chicken and marinade, and toss to combine. Remove the chicken and onion from the marinade, and spread out on a rimmed sheet pan. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove juices from pan. Continue cooking for 15 – 20 minutes until browned, crisp at the edges and cooked through. Remove from the oven, allow to rest two minutes, then slice. Remove juices and return to oven to crisp if desired. Garnish with parsley. Serves 6 – 8.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sam Sifton’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma with tomatoes, cucumbers, pita bread, garlic sauce (mayonnaise seasoned with lemon juice and garlic), hummus, hot sauce, olives, roasted eggplant, feta, pickled turnips, hot peppers, potatoes and rice. Did I forget anything?

Sam Sifton’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma Print Ready Recipe

Final notes:

JC book review: 

The inspirational autobiography, “Perseverance – the seven skills you need to survive, thrive and accomplish more than you ever imagined,” by Tim Hague, is full of life lessons. Imagine a collision of your worst nightmare, being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 46, and your wildest dream, winning The Amazing Race Canada. Tim’s calling is all about perseverance.

Tim will touch your heart and spur you on to achieve more than you thought possible. What do I want to share from Tim’s life lessons?

• Choose contentment, accept shortcomings and embrace what you can do.
• Persevere through suffering, deepen, grow and find your strength – if you don’t give up, you won’t miss the opportunities round the bend.
• There’s a need for community – we depend on other’s help for success. Be inspired by other’s achievements.
• There’s no joy without suffering. Embrace hardship, let go of the happiness myth. Working hard through grueling tasks can lead to joy. 

Profoundly touching and inspirational, Perseverance is a very worthy read. (Disclaimer:  Perseverance was sent to JC for review. The opinions expressed are genuine.)