Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This authentic Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a flavorful blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Served warm in pita bread with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce, this Middle Eastern classic is perfect for a delicious and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 2 tbsp tahini sauce (for drizzling)
- Pita bread (for serving)
- Assorted fresh veggies (optional, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and thoroughly coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepare your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C), ensuring it is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely charred on the outside.
- Slice the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Then slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
- Assemble your shawarma: Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side until soft and pliable. Fill each pita with the sliced chicken, optional fresh vegetables, and drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Serve & enjoy: Serve the chicken shawarma pita wraps warm alongside your favorite sides or salads for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat than chicken breasts.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler as alternatives.
- Feel free to add pickled vegetables or fresh herbs like parsley for added authenticity.
- Tahini sauce can be replaced with garlic sauce or yogurt sauce according to preference.
Find it online: https://mealoria.com/chicken-shawarma-recipe/
