Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shawarma Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water (to thin, if needed)
For Serving:
Pita bread or flatbread
Sliced cucumbers
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced red onion
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Pickled turnips or pickles
Tahini or garlic sauce (optional)
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper).
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Shawarma Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Assemble the Shawarma:
Warm the pita or flatbread and layer it with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley (or cilantro), and pickled turnips.
Add the sliced chicken shawarma and drizzle with the shawarma sauce (or tahini/garlic sauce).
Serve:
Wrap the shawarma tightly and serve it immediately, or serve with a side of fries or salad for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time) | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 4