Chicken Shawarma

Name: Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.2 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 120 ml plain yogurt; 60 ml fresh lemon juice; 30 ml olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 tsp ground cumin; 1.5 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric; 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 8 pieces pita bread; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced; 1 medium cucumber, sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 0.5 head romaine lettuce, shredded; 120 g pickles, sliced; 60 ml tahini; 30 ml water (or more, for desired consistency); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for sauce/garnish)

Difficulty

medium

Time

45m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Shawarma is an iconic Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced meat, often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce. This recipe uses chicken thighs, marinated in a rich yogurt and spice blend, then cooked to perfection. The result is a juicy, flavorful meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Middle East. It's an ideal choice for a quick yet special dinner.

Steps

Marinate Chicken

Cut chicken thighs into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, or even overnight.

Cook Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary). Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare Sauce

While the chicken cooks, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth, gradually adding more water until you reach a creamy but pourable consistency. Taste and season with salt if needed. Stir in some chopped parsley.

Assemble & Serve

Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave until soft. Fill the warm pitas with the cooked chicken, then layer with sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle generously with the tahini sauce and serve immediately.

	Per 100g	Per Serving 300g / 10.5 oz
Calories	250-350 kcal	750-1050 kcal
Protein	15-25g	45-75g
Fat	10-20g	30-60g
Carbohydrate	15-25g	45-75g
Fiber	2-4g	6-12g
Sugar	2-5g	6-15g

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poultry

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main course

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Middle Eastern

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Chicken Shawarma

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Marinate Chicken

Cook Chicken

Prepare Sauce

Assemble & Serve

Extra Tips

► For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator.

► Warm the pita bread in a pan or oven before serving to make them softer and more pliable.

► Experiment with the spices! Add a pinch of cardamom or sumac for a more authentic flavor.

Nutrition