Description
This Simple Homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce, it’s an easy and delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Serving
- 4-6 pieces warm pita bread
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken well, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips for serving.
- Assemble and serve: Warm the pita bread, then fill each with sliced chicken, fresh cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and a drizzle or side of yogurt sauce made by mixing plain yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more juiciness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
- Serve with additional toppings like pickled turnips or tahini sauce for variety.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
