Chicken Shawarma

Delight in the flavors of the Middle East with this simple yet delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe. Perfectly spiced and grilled to perfection, this dish is accompanied by a refreshing garlicky yogurt sauce and served in warm pita bread, making it a delightful option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:
🍗 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌿 1 teaspoon ground cumin
🌿 1 teaspoon ground coriander
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
🍶 1 tablespoon soy sauce
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce:
🥛 1 cup plain yogurt
🍋 Juice of 1/2 lemon
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🌿 1 teaspoon dried mint

To Serve:
🥙 Pita bread
🥗 Fresh vegetables (optional - lettuce, tomatoes, onions)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
Add the thinly sliced chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. If possible, marinate for up to 2 hours for more intense flavors.

2- Make the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried mint. Mix until smooth and set aside.

3- Cook the Chicken Shawarma:

Heat a skillet over high heat until very hot.
Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd.
Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through with a nice char.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

4- Assemble the Shawarma:

Warm the pita bread either on a skillet or in the microwave.
Spread a generous amount of the garlicky yogurt sauce onto the pita bread.
Add the cooked chicken strips and desired vegetables.
Roll the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (1-2 hours for marinating)
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates per serving: 25g protein, 15g fat, 30g carbohydrates
Equipment: Sharp knife, large bowl, small bowl, skillet