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Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish known for its aromatic spices and tender, marinated meat. Serve it in pita bread or on a plate with sides for a delicious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 persons
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 grill pan or skillet
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 meat thermometer (optional)
  • 1 serving plates

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 pieces pita bread or flatbreads
  • Sliced as needed cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce for serving
  • for drizzling Tahini sauce or garlic sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended to create the marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
  • Place the chicken in the preheated pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  • Warm the pita bread in the same pan or in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Assemble your Chicken Shawarma by placing sliced chicken on the pita, topping it with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Drizzle with tahini sauce or garlic sauce as desired.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

You can customize your toppings by adding pickles or onions for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of hummus or tabbouleh for a complete meal.
This dish is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace chicken with marinated and grilled vegetables.