Chicken Shawarma with Pita (Printable)
Spiced marinated chicken roasted to perfection, served in warm pita with fresh vegetables and creamy garlic sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 - 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1.5 teaspoons salt
12 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
→ Servings and Accompaniments
13 - 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 0.5 cup sliced cucumber
17 - 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion
18 - Pickles
→ Garlic or Tahini Sauce
19 - 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or tahini
20 - 1 garlic clove, minced
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
22 - Salt to taste
23 - 1-2 tablespoons water
# How To Make:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the bowl, turning pieces to ensure complete coating. Cover and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, optimally overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat oven to 425°F or prepare grill pan over medium-high heat.
04 - Arrange marinated chicken on foil-lined baking sheet or preheated grill pan. Cook for 18-20 minutes, turning once midway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges show slight charring.
05 - Remove chicken from heat, let rest 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice crosswise into thin strips against the grain.
06 - Combine yogurt or tahini base with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk while gradually adding water until achieving smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
07 - Warm pita breads briefly. Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and pickles. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle sauce generously. Fold or roll and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend hits every warming note without being overwhelming
- Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy even after high heat cooking
- Everything comes together in under an hour of active time
02 -
- Overnight marinating transforms good chicken into unforgettable chicken
- Letting the meat rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside where they belong
03 -
- Slice against the grain for the most tender bite every single time
- Warm your pita directly over a gas flame for that authentic street-cart char