Have you ever wondered if you can put shawarma chicken as a pizza topping? The answer is a resounding yes! This delicious fusion of Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines creates a unique and mouthwatering pizza experience that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the world of shawarma chicken pizza and discover how to make this fantastic dish at home.

The Global Pizza Phenomenon

Pizza has become one of the world’s most beloved foods, transcending its Italian origins to find a place in cuisines across the globe. From the United States to various Asian countries, pizza has been adapted and reinvented to suit local tastes and ingredients. This widespread popularity has led to countless creative variations, including the shawarma chicken pizza we’ll be exploring today.

In the Middle East, a local variation called Manakish has emerged. This flatbread is similar to pizza and is typically topped with cheese, meat, or vegetarian options like zaatar. It’s a perfect example of how pizza-like dishes have been embraced and adapted by different cultures.

About Shawarma

Before we delve into the shawarma chicken pizza, let’s talk about shawarma itself. In Arab countries, shawarma is one of the most adored street foods, available in beef or chicken varieties. Traditionally served as a sandwich or with rice, shawarma has now found its way onto pizza menus, creating an exciting culinary innovation.

Combining shawarma chicken with pizza toppings is a brilliant way to fuse Italian and Arabian cooking styles. While it may not be traditional, the result is an incredibly delicious pizza that will tantalize your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons.

Shawarma Chicken Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering shawarma chicken pizza, you’ll need three main components: the dough, the toppings, and the chicken shawarma itself. Let’s break down each category:

Dough Ingredients

White flour
Salt and sugar
Instant yeast
Extra virgin olive oil
Water

These ingredients are similar to what you’d use for any bread or pizza dough, providing a perfect base for your toppings.

Toppings

Red onion: Thinly sliced and sautéed for sweetness and texture
Bell pepper: Adds color and a mild sweetness
Mozzarella cheese: For that classic stretchy, gooey pizza texture
Green olives: Provides a salty, tangy flavor
Pizza or tomato sauce: Use store-bought or homemade with Italian seasoning
Yogurt garlic sauce: A perfect complement to the shawarma flavors

Chicken Shawarma Ingredients

Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, garlic powder, and paprika
Boneless chicken breast
Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken
Lemon: Adds acidity and aids in tenderizing
Olive oil: Enhances flavor and richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s walk through the process of creating this delicious shawarma chicken pizza:

Making the Dough

Mix yeast, brown sugar, and warm water in a glass
Combine this mixture with flour and salt in a bowl
Knead the dough, adding olive oil for softness
Cover and let rise for 1 hour

Baking the Chicken

Marinate chicken breast with spices, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil for 30 minutes to 1 hour
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes
Broil for an additional 10 minutes to brown and crisp the meat
Slice into smaller pieces

Assembling the Dough

Divide the risen dough into two pieces
Roll each piece into a round shape, about 10-12 inches wide

Topping the Pizza

Spread tomato sauce on the dough
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese
Top with chopped chicken shawarma, sliced green olives, sautéed onion, and bell pepper
Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top
Bake for 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F)
Drizzle with yogurt garlic sauce or serve it on the side

By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious shawarma chicken pizza that combines the best of both Italian and Middle Eastern flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the beauties of pizza is its versatility, and shawarma chicken pizza is no exception. Here are some ways you can adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Chicken Shawarma Tacos
Transform your shawarma chicken into a Mexican-inspired dish by serving it in tacos with red onion, sumac, tomatoes, and lettuce, drizzled with tahini sauce.
Chicken Shawarma Rice
Create a hearty meal by combining baked chicken shawarma with yellow rice and a fresh salad, topped with garlic white sauce.

Tips and Hints

To ensure your shawarma chicken pizza turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

For convenience, use store-bought pizza sauce and dough. This can save time without compromising on flavor.
Marinate the chicken overnight for a stronger flavor. The longer marination time allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Preheat your oven thoroughly and bake at a high temperature. This ensures a crisp crust and properly melted cheese. Keep an eye on your pizza to prevent burning.
Partially cook toppings like onions and bell peppers before adding them to the pizza. This improves their texture and enhances their flavors.
Experiment with different spice blends for your chicken shawarma. While the recipe provides a great starting point, you can adjust the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.

Conclusion

So, can you put shawarma chicken as a pizza topping? Absolutely! Shawarma chicken pizza is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the best of Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. By combining the rich, spiced flavors of shawarma chicken with classic pizza elements, you create a unique and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast looking to try something new or a shawarma lover eager to experiment, this recipe offers a perfect blend of familiar and exotic flavors. The versatility of the dish also means you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

So why not give it a try? Put shawarma chicken on your next pizza and embark on a culinary adventure that bridges cultures and tantalizes taste buds. Who knows? It might just become your new favorite pizza topping!