Description
Chicken Shawarma brings Middle Eastern street food magic right to your kitchen with tender, spice-infused chicken that practically dances on your taste buds. Wrap this flavorful protein in warm pita, add some tangy sauce, and savor a quick meal that transports your dinner straight to the bustling streets of Lebanon.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 mini cucumber
- 2 small tomatoes
- 1 head romaine
- ½ small red onion
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Combine ¼ cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and all ground spices in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant marinade.
- Pour the marinade over 2 lbs of chicken thighs and 1 large sliced onion. Massage the mixture thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Heat your grill or grill pan to 400°F. Ensure the cooking surface is preheated and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, rotating once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a nice char.
- While chicken grills, chop 1 mini cucumber, 2 small tomatoes, 1 head romaine lettuce, and ½ small red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm pita bread for 30-45 seconds on the grill or in a skillet until slightly crisp and pliable.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips. Layer inside warm pita bread, adding chopped vegetables and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Fold pita edges inward to create a compact wrap. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight gives the most robust flavor profile.
- Don’t rush the grilling process, as achieving those perfect slightly charred edges develops deep, complex taste.
- For a healthier twist, swap chicken thighs with lean chicken breast, though the thighs provide more juiciness and flavor.
- When assembling wraps, warm your pita bread briefly to enhance its softness and make folding easier.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg