Chicken Shawarma Middle Eastern Flavors (Print Version)

Marinated chicken, creamy sauce, and veggies wrapped in warm pita for a Middle Eastern inspired main dish.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 cups shredded lettuce
03 - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 4 tomatoes, sliced
05 - 8 pieces pita bread

→ Spices

06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice
08 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
11 - 2 teaspoons paprika
12 - 2 teaspoons salt
13 - 1 teaspoon ground allspice
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauces

15 - 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
16 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
17 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, or to taste
18 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
20 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add chicken thigh fillets and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to infuse flavor.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to assemble.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil. Remove marinated chicken from refrigeration and allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once grilled, transfer to a cutting board, allow to rest briefly, then slice into thin strips.
04 - Warm pita bread on the grill for several seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in the oven. Generously spread yogurt sauce onto each pita. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and slices of grilled chicken. Add extra sauce as desired.
05 - Present immediately, either wrapped or as an open-faced sandwich. Enjoy while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Makes restaurant-quality shawarma at home without a vertical spit
  • Ready in just over half an hour
  • Great for meal prep as leftovers store well
  • Flexible for customizing toppings or sauces
02 -
  • Rich in protein and flavor
  • Perfect for casual meals or parties
  • Pairs well with pickled veggies or tabbouleh
03 -
  • Letting the chicken marinate overnight means maximum flavor so plan ahead if you can
  • Do not rush the grilling part a good char brings smoky depth
  • Wrap the warm pita in a kitchen towel to keep it soft and pliable until ready to serve
  • If you want to try toasting your own spices it Bloom them in the pan with olive oil until fragrant before adding to the marinade

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