Chicken Shawarma
A tantalizing dish featuring charred, juicy chicken marinated with a symphony of spices, wrapped in soft pita bread. This recipe captures the vibrant flavors of the Middle East.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Patted completely dry
- 1/2 cup Plain Full-Fat Greek Yogurt Creamy and tangy
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil Rich and fruity
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Bright and zesty
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Deeply smoky and vibrant
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin Warm and earthy
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander Citrusy and floral
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Golden and fragrant
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt Enhancing all the flavors
For the garlic sauce
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Smooth and cooling
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Creamy and flavorful
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh and tangy
For serving
- 4 pieces Soft Pita Bread Cut into wedges, perfect for wrapping
- 1/2 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Roughly chopped for freshness
- 1 small Red Onion Cut into thin half-moons
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and kosher salt.
- Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or longer for maximum flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or a grilling pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it directly onto the hot grill. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
Assembly
- While the chicken is resting, mix the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- On a soft pita bread, place a generous portion of sliced chicken, drizzle with the garlic sauce, and top with chopped parsley and red onion.
Serving
- Roll up the pita and serve.
Notes
For a healthier option, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, or replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt. For a vegetarian option, grill hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Common mistakes include not marinating long enough and overcrowding the grill.