Chicken Shawarma is a beautifully spiced, marinated grilled chicken dish that’s popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. With its tender, flavorful chicken paired with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini or garlic sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether wrapped in warm pita bread or served on a platter, this dish brings the bold flavors of street food straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shawarma:
- 4 pita or flatbreads (for serving)
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion)
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce (for drizzling)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne, lemon juice, yogurt, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl and toss until the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Serve the chicken on warm pita or flatbreads, and top with fresh veggies (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion). Drizzle with tahini sauce or garlic sauce for added flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade, flavorful Chicken Shawarma!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
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