Chicken Shawarma
A delightful chicken shawarma recipe that brings the essence of Middle Eastern street food into your kitchen, featuring juicy marinated chicken served in warm pita.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Juicy cuts that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Plain Full-Fat Greek Yogurt Base for the marinade, enhances tenderness.
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil Adds richness and helps achieve grilled texture.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens flavors.
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Adds deep, smoky undertones.
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin Provides an earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander Enhances the aroma of the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Adds color and earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt Essential for balance.
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt For drizzling over the shawarma.
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Adds creamy texture.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Gives sharp flavor.
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (for sauce) Brightens the sauce.
To serve
- 4 pieces Soft Pita Bread For holding the fillings.
- 1/2 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (chopped) Adds freshness to the dish.
- 1 small Red Onion (sliced) Offers textural contrast.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and kosher salt until smooth.
- Coat the boneless chicken thighs thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or grilling pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Assembling
- Slice the rested chicken into thin strips.
- Take a piece of soft pita bread, layer on the sliced chicken, drizzle with the sauce, and top with parsley and red onion.
- Roll up the pita bread and enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use high-quality spices and do not skip the resting step after grilling.