Shawarma Nacho Fries are a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines crispy fries with the bold flavors of chicken shawarma and a variety of delicious toppings. The tender chicken, spiced with Middle Eastern spices, is paired with a creamy sauce, feta cheese, tangy olives, and pickled vegetables. Perfect for a hearty snack, dinner, or a party appetizer, these loaded fries are sure to impress with their complex flavors and satisfying textures.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shawarma Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp allspice

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp sumac

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp coriander

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pepperoncinis (chopped)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives (chopped)

• ½ red onion (diced)

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Fries:

• 1 bag frozen fries (or homemade)

• Optional: sweet potato fries or waffle fries

For the Sauce (optional):

• Yogurt or tahini sauce

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, allspice, cumin, paprika, sumac, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and coriander in a bowl. Add chicken and mix to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 48 hours in the fridge.

2. Cook the chicken: Sauté the marinated chicken in a little olive oil over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. Alternatively, air fry the chicken at 450°F for 8-9 minutes. Once cooked, chop the chicken into small pieces.

3. Cook the fries: Prepare fries by either deep frying, air frying, or baking until golden and crispy.

4. Assemble the nacho fries: Place the cooked fries on a serving platter. Top with the cooked shawarma chicken, pepperoncinis, Kalamata olives, red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.

5. Serve: Drizzle with optional yogurt or tahini sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~400-500 kcal (per serving)

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Protein: ~25g

• Fat: ~20g

  • Saturated Fat: ~7g

• Sodium: ~800mg

• Cholesterol: ~60mg

• Potassium: ~600mg

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Vitamin A: ~1000 IU

• Vitamin C: ~5mg

• Calcium: ~100mg

• Iron: ~2mg

The Fusion of Shawarma and Nachos

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food typically made with marinated, spiced meat that’s slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The spices used in shawarma include a blend of warm, aromatic flavors like cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric. In this recipe, the chicken is marinated with those same spices, creating a rich and flavorful base for the dish.

On the other hand, nachos are a beloved comfort food, often featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, seasoned meat, and various toppings. By combining the savory chicken shawarma with the crispy fries, the resulting dish is a fun and unique mash-up that delivers the best of both worlds. The creamy yogurt or tahini sauce drizzled on top adds an extra layer of richness, making this dish even more decadent.

Key Ingredients for Shawarma Nacho Fries

The ingredients for Shawarma Nacho Fries come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures, with Middle Eastern spices playing a key role. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shawarma Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The chicken is the star of the dish, spiced and cooked until tender. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option.

• Lemon Juice & Olive Oil: These ingredients help marinate the chicken and tenderize it while adding a fresh, zesty flavor.

• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory base to the chicken marinade.

• Allspice, Cumin, Paprika, Sumac, Turmeric, Coriander: A blend of Middle Eastern spices that gives the chicken its signature shawarma flavor. These spices add warmth, depth, and a touch of earthiness.

• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the spices.

For the Toppings:

• Pepperoncinis: These tangy, slightly spicy peppers add a punch of flavor and crunch.

• Kalamata Olives: Rich and briny olives provide a savory contrast to the spiced chicken.

• Red Onion: Adds a fresh, crisp bite to balance the richness of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a burst of color and a mild herbal flavor that brightens up the dish.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element that pairs perfectly with the chicken and fries.

For the Fries:

• Frozen Fries: You can use frozen fries for convenience, but homemade fries or variations like sweet potato fries or waffle fries work great too. The fries serve as the base for the shawarma chicken and toppings.

For the Sauce (Optional):

• Yogurt or Tahini Sauce: This creamy drizzle adds a refreshing, tangy element to the dish. You can use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture or tahini sauce for a nutty, slightly bitter flavor.

The Cooking Process: Marinate, Cook, and Assemble

Making Shawarma Nacho Fries is a straightforward process that involves marinating the chicken, cooking it, preparing the fries, and then assembling the dish with the toppings and sauce. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, allspice, cumin, paprika, sumac, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and coriander. Stir well to mix the ingredients. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the marinated chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer at 450°F for 8-9 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and chop it into small bite-sized pieces.

3. Prepare the Fries: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the fries according to the package instructions. You can deep fry, air fry, or bake them until they’re golden and crispy. If using sweet potato fries or waffle fries, adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the right crispiness.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Nacho Fries: Place the cooked fries on a serving platter. Top them with the cooked shawarma chicken, chopped pepperoncinis, Kalamata olives, diced red onion, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Make sure to distribute the toppings evenly so every bite has a little bit of everything.

5. Add the Sauce: Drizzle yogurt or tahini sauce over the loaded fries for a creamy finish. The sauce adds richness and balances the spice from the shawarma.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Shawarma Nacho Fries immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy this fusion dish as a main, snack, or party appetizer!

Serving Suggestions for Shawarma Nacho Fries

Shawarma Nacho Fries are a complete meal on their own but can also be paired with side dishes for a more substantial spread. Here are some ideas:

• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the loaded fries.

• Rice or Noodles: Serve with a side of fluffy basmati rice or pita bread for a more filling meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can add a smoky flavor that complements the spiced chicken.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Fun Fusion Dish

Shawarma Nacho Fries is a fun and flavorful fusion dish that combines the savory, spiced chicken shawarma with crispy fries and a variety of delicious toppings. The balance of textures—from the crunchy fries to the tender chicken and creamy feta—makes this dish a satisfying and indulgent treat. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer at a party, Shawarma Nacho Fries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions, this dish is the perfect choice for anyone craving something comforting and full of flavor.