This shawarma chicken and apple recipe remind me that trying new flavor combinations can be simple yet incredibly rewarding. They’ve quickly become a trick up this hostess's sleeve, and I am sure they’ll find a place on your appetizer platter as well.
I’ve always loved bringing new flavors to the table, but one day I found myself craving something different—something that could make the often neglected and unappreciated shine in an unexpected way.
That’s when I thought of shawarma chicken and - the star of the dish - apples! It is due time that apples rise above being "just a dessert" - its time the texture, the flavor, the color take center stage. They can be the stars of savory dishes too, especially when paired with bold Middle Eastern spices.
This appetizer platter became the perfect playground for showcasing apples in all their sweet, crisp glory.
The spices are inspired by the vibrant markets of the Middle East—each component has its roots in rich culinary history. Shawarma chicken carries the warm flavors of cumin, paprika, and turmeric, while tahini, with its nutty creaminess, offers a nod to North African and Israeli cuisine. Even the apples, crisp and sweet, feel right at home in this combination, balancing the savory chicken beautifully.
Whether you’re preparing this for a casual lunch or an elegant event, it’s an easy dish that’s sure to impress. Assemble them in advance, or let your guests create their own skewers for an interactive, fun appetizer. Either way, these chicken and apple bites bring a sense of discovery and excitement to any gathering.
For more apple-inspired creations, try these Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers, a perfect blend of crisp and creamy. Add a fresh and fun touch with Honey Crisp Apple and Cheese Appetizer on a Skewer, combining sweet and savory in each bite. Or, enjoy a playful twist on snacking with Healthy Apple Nachos, layered with wholesome toppings.
Key Ingredients for Chicken and Apple Recipe
- Skinless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up spices.
- Cosmic Crisp apples: Crisp Swee apples that provide a refreshing contrast to the spiced chicken.
- Shawarma seasoning: A mix of ras-el-hanout, paprika, and turmeric for warmth and depth.
- Lemon: Adds a burst of brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- Tahini (optional): Smooth and nutty, it adds a creamy element when blended with water.
- Oil: Helps the chicken cook evenly and stay moist.
- Cocktail skewers: For easy serving and a fun presentation.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Seed + Mill is an American brand started by an Israeli, and I love their halwa and tahini.
This Levantine blend is perfect for chicken, lamb and beef.
Directions to make Chicken with Apple Appetizer
Make the Shawarma Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine ras-el-hanout, paprika, and turmeric. Stir until well with a teaspoon salt until mixed. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Next, heat a pan and cook over medium heat and add oil. Cook the chicken in batches until it begins to turn white on the outside, and sear about 2 minutes per side until chiken is cooked. Sprinkle with shawarma seasoning and continue to cook until fully cooked, about 4-5 more minutes. Remove the chicken and let the chicken skillet cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread a piece of sautéed chicken followed by an sweet apple slices onto each cocktail skewer. Repeat until all pieces are used. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and, if using, a little tahini for extra richness.
Top Tips for a Perfect Chicken Apple Skillet
- Prep in Advance: Cook the tender chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- Choose Firm Apples: Apples like Cosmic Crisp hold their shape and won’t brown quickly.
- Balance Flavors: Don’t skimp on the lemon—it enhances both the spiced apple and chicken flavors.
- Presentation: Arrange the skewers on a large platter, perhaps with a sprinkling of fresh herbs for added color.
More Super Simple Chicken Recipes
For hearty and comforting meals, explore More Chicken Recipes like the savory French Onion Chicken Skillet. Warm up with a cozy Winter Comfort Instant Pot Chicken and Pepper Stew, or keep it simple with a One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole for a satisfying family meal. Try crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks for a quick, flavorful option, or indulge in the unique flavors of Chicken with Dates Casserole, perfect for special occasions.
More Fall Drink Recipes
Quench your thirst with More Drink Recipes such as a rich Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee or the cozy Chai White Russian Mocktail. For a classic option, enjoy the White Russian Mocktail or the tart Spiced Cranberry Juice. Treat yourself to a Creamy Piña Colada Mocktail or embrace the season with a Pumpkin Spice Latte with Syrup. For a nutty finish, the Toasted Almond Mocktail is a perfect choice.
Shwarma chicken and apple bites
Equipment
- Cocktail skewers
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken breast or boneless thighs cubed
- 2 Cosmic Crisp apples cubed
- ½ lemon
- Oil
- 2 tablespoons Tahini blended with water optional
- 2 Tbs shawarma seasoning for shawarma seasoning, take 2 TBs ras el hanout spice mixture and add ½ teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon turmeric.
Instructions
Make shawarma spice blend
- For the easiest way of making my shawarma spice blend, just take your leftover ras-el-hanout blend and add ½ teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon turmeric to it. Blend well to combine.
Cook chicken
- Preheat a pan to medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add cubed chicken and saute for a couple of minutes, stirring a couple of times, until the outside of the chicken has turned white. Add shawarma seasoning and more salt, and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, 4-5 minutes.
- Let shawarma chicken cool to room temperature, until it can be handled easily.
Assemble chicken apple appetizer skewers
- Arrange a cube of chicken, and top it with a cube of apple. Spear with a cocktail skewer. Drizzle with a squirt of lemon. Serve immediately. Option: drizzle with tahini that's been diluted with water to a pourable consistency.
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