Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that is typically made by marinating thinly sliced chicken in a mixture of spices (such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic, and lemon juice) and then grilling it on a spit until it is crispy and charred. The chicken is usually served wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber, and a variety of sauces such as hummus, tzatziki, or tahini. Chicken shawarma is a popular street food in many parts of the world and is known for its delicious flavor and satisfying texture.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pita bread
- Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers for serving
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Arrange the marinated chicken on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips.
- To assemble the shawarma, place a piece of pita bread on a plate and top it with some lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Add a few slices of the cooked chicken on top.
- Drizzle some tahini sauce or garlic sauce on top, if desired.
- Roll up the pita bread tightly around the filling, and enjoy!
Note: You can also cook the chicken on a grill instead of baking it in the oven. Simply grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
