Description
Savor Middle Eastern magic with this irresistible Chicken Shawarma, a spice-infused journey through authentic flavors that dance on your palate. Marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, each bite promises a delicious adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pita bread
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Red onion, sliced
- Tahini sauce
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending yogurt with aromatic spices including garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
- Immerse chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every surface is coated. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Position marinated chicken thighs, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from heat, allowing 3-4 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices. Slice into thin, uniform strips against the meat grain.
- Gently warm pita bread until slightly crisp and pliable. Layer sliced chicken generously across bread’s center.
- Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, crisp cucumber rounds, thinly sliced onions, and drizzle tahini sauce over ingredients.
- Optional: Add extra yogurt dollop or sprinkle hot sauce for enhanced flavor profile. Roll or fold pita to create compact shawarma wrap.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are optimal.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper, more complex flavors that penetrate every fiber of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness, which absorb spices better than chicken breasts.
- Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, lamb, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or diverse dietary needs.
- Toast pita bread on a direct flame or skillet for a slightly charred, authentic street-food texture that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg