Chicken Shawarma Middle Eastern Dish (Printable Format)
Tender spiced chicken thighs marinated in cumin, coriander, and warm spices, served in fluffy pita with fresh veggies and tangy sauce.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - Juice of 1 lemon
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 2 tsp ground coriander
07 - 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
09 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
11 - 1.5 tsp salt
12 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
→ Serving Components
13 - 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 0.5 cup sliced cucumber
17 - 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion
18 - Pickles (optional)
→ Garlic or Tahini Sauce
19 - 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or tahini
20 - 1 garlic clove, minced
21 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
22 - Salt, to taste
23 - 1-2 tbsp water
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning pieces to coat completely. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours for maximum flavor development.
03 - Preheat oven to 425°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
04 - Arrange marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill pan. Roast or grill for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and develops slight char.
05 - Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice chicken thinly against the grain.
06 - Combine Greek yogurt or tahini with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk in water 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches drizzling consistency.
07 - Warm pita breads briefly. Fill each with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and pickles. Add sliced chicken and drizzle generously with sauce. Roll or fold and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with minimal effort
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making meal prep a dream
02 -
- Dont skip the resting time after cooking or youll lose all those precious juices
- Warm your pitas in the oven for 30 seconds before filling to prevent tearing
03 -
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Double the marinade and freeze half the chicken for a future effortless meal