Description
Chicken shawarma becomes your go-to weekend meal that’s packed with Middle Eastern flavor. Marinated chicken roasted to perfection and wrapped in warm pita makes dinner feel like a tasty adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Tahini sauce
Instructions
- Whisk ¼ cup yogurt with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until your marinade looks smooth and fragrant.
- Drop 1 lb chicken thighs into the marinade, massaging the spices into every crevice of the meat. Seal your container and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat your grill or cast-iron skillet to 400°F, creating a sizzling surface that will caramelize the chicken’s exterior. Lay each marinated chicken thigh flat, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook chicken for exactly 6-7 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaching 165°F. The meat should look crispy and feel firm when pressed.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin, tender strips that will nestle perfectly inside warm pita bread.
- Assemble your shawarma by placing sliced chicken inside soft pita, then layer with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to let the spices deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- For the most authentic flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs, which stay juicier and develop a richer taste during cooking.
- If grilling isn’t possible, a cast-iron skillet will create an excellent crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the shawarma over a salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of pita bread.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg