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Middle Eastern·Main Course

Pulled Chicken Shawarma Sandwich

A succulent and satisfying alternative to pulled pork, this recipe uses a slow-simmered whole chicken and a rich, reduced bone broth to create incredibly tender, spice-infused meat.

Prep

20m

Cook

210m

Total

230m

Serves

6

Method

  1. 01

    In a small bowl, combine salt, cumin, sumac, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, turmeric, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon to create the shawarma spice blend.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:25
  2. 02

    Place the whole chicken into a large pot. Add sliced garlic, onion, and half of the prepared shawarma spice mix. Pour in one quart of water (it should reach halfway up the chicken). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, flipping the chicken every 20 minutes.

    Step 2
    Watch · 0:54
  3. 03

    Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool for 20-30 minutes. Pull the large chunks of meat off the bones, shred into bite-sized pieces, and store in the fridge. Return the bones and skin to the pot and simmer the liquid gently for 1 to 2 hours to create a rich broth.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:20
  4. 04

    Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot, ensuring you retain all the chicken fat. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat and reduce by half until the flavor is concentrated and the appearance is slightly thickened.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:52
  5. 05

    Reduce heat to medium and stir the shredded chicken meat back into the reduced broth. Season with more of the shawarma spice mix and salt to taste. Continue to cook and stir occasionally for about 15 minutes until the chicken is tender, shredded, and has absorbed most of the liquid.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:38
  6. 06

    Stir in the fresh lemon juice and remove from heat. Assemble the sandwiches on toasted rolls with a generous portion of meat, topped with sliced red onion, garlicky tahini sauce, extra spice blend, and fresh cilantro.

    Step 6
    Watch · 6:06

From Chef John

  • “The recommended amount of meat is somewhere between too much and way too much.”
  • “You are after all the Jeff Bridges of your pulled chicken shawarma sandwiches.”
  • “Always listen to your food.”