Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the authentic flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served in soft pita bread with fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread
- Toppings of choice:
- Tomatoes (sliced)
- Cucumbers (sliced)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Tahini sauce
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread, then fill with sliced chicken and top with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. You can also add a little more yogurt or some hot sauce if you prefer extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet before transferring it to the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works great too.
- You can prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time for a quick meal later on.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes