Grilled Chicken with Shawarma Seasoning and Aleppo Peppers

Let’s talk about chicken breast. For most people it’s the go to protein because it is so versatile. However, chicken breasts can be a little boring. dPeople eat so much chicken they have run out of unique recipes. Let me introduce you to grilled chicken seasoned with a blend of Shawarma Seasoning and Aleppo Peppers.

What is shawarma seasoning?

Shawarma seasoning is a traditional a middle eastern seasoning added to thin slices chicken, beef, or lamb and then put on flat bread. Place some in your hand and take a smell. First thing that comes off is cumin and cloves. If you take a taste you will immediately notice coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon.

shawarma seasoning blend

What is Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo Peppers are made in Turkey that have a slight heat along with tremendous flavor. Think slightly less hot compared too cayenne pepper but with muted fruity taste. It compliments the cumin undertones of the the shawarma seasoning nicely in this dish. When you first taste it you get the slight fruitiness upfront along with some earthy tones. It also has a little bit of salt taste. It finishes with a mild heat. When you combine the cinnamon in the shawarma blend along with the heat of the Aleppo ground pepper you have a nice warming flavor that goes really well with a lot of dishes not just chicken.

What is a good substitute for Aleppo pepper?

Sometimes Aleppo Pepper is difficult to find. You can substitute by using 1 part cayenne and 3 parts sweet paprika for a quick substitute for ground Aleppo pepper. Add a pinch of salt as well.

Time to start putting this chicken dish together. Take the Shawarma Seasoning, Cumin, Garlic, Salt, and Aleppo Peppers and combine with your sliced chicken breasts. Let the chicken breasts sit with the seasoning for an hour before you place on the grill. Don’t let the chicken sit too long though because you added salt to the seasoning blend. You don’t want to pull out too much moisture.

Grilling Chicken Breast

Bring your grill up to 450 degrees F. Place the chicken breast over direct heat and grill for 5 minutes. Then rotate the chicken breasts and grill for another 5 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and then bring up to 165 degrees F. Because the breasts are sliced in half the grilling time is short. Don’t walk away from the grill because dried out chicken breast is a shame!

Grilled chicken with shawarma seasoning

Chicken Breast on the grill seasoned with shawarma seasoning blend

What more can you ask for out of a grilled chicken breast recipe? A super simple and unique dish that you will certainly want to put this recipe in your weekday dinner rotation.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma sitting on a serving plate

If you like this recipe for Grilled Chicken with a blend of Shawarma Seasoning and Aleppo Peppers don’t hesitate to check out these other links for grilled chicken recipes.

Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers

Print Recipe

Grilled Chicken with Shawarma Seasoning and Aleppo Peppers

By Drew – Serves: 3

Prep Time: 10 minutes – Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Keep your chicken breast healthy but make it unique. Try grilling chicken breast with shawarma seasoning and Aleppo Peppers. This seasoning blend of cumin, garlic, turmeric, cloves and pepper make a great middle eastern inspired simple recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast
• 2 Tablespoons of Shawarma seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 Teaspoons Aleppo Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1

Slice chicken breasts in half so the pieces are no more then 1/2 inch thick

2

Combine seasonings and chicken in bowl

3

Let the seasoned chicken sit for an hour in the fridge

4

Preheat the grill to 450 degrees F

5

Place chicken breasts over direct heat.

6

Cook and rotate after 5 minutes

7

Flip chicken after additional 5 minutes

8

Take chicken off the heat after it hits an internal temp of 165 F.