Description
Succulent Chicken Shawarma brings Middle Eastern street flavors right to home kitchens with bold spices and tender marinated meat. Crisp edges, zesty marinades, and simple techniques make this dish a delightful journey you can easily create in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
Assembly and Accompaniments:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup (240 ml) tahini sauce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, yogurt, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices in a generous mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 2-8 hours to allow flavor infusion.
- Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for streamlined cooking and effortless cleanup.
- Position marinated chicken pieces across the baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote even roasting.
- Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning once midway to guarantee uniform caramelization and achieve an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes post-roasting, then slice into delicate, diagonal strips against the meat’s natural grain.
- Gently warm pita breads in the oven or on a skillet to enhance their texture and temperature.
- Construct shawarma by spreading tahini sauce across pita, layering tender chicken strips, then crown with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro as a final aromatic flourish before serving.
- Expertly fold or roll the pita to create a compact, handheld culinary delight ready for immediate consumption.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness, allowing spices to deeply infuse the meat.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out more quickly during roasting.
- Adjust spice blend to personal preference or dietary needs, substituting salt-heavy seasonings with herbs like za’atar or sumac for lower sodium options.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional pita with lettuce wraps or grain-free flatbreads, maintaining the authentic shawarma experience without wheat products.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg