Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food with these homemade Chicken Shawarma Pitas. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken nestled in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce makes for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (or extra lemon juice)
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Smoked paprika
- Turmeric
- Cayenne (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or allspice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt-based with cucumber, garlic, and dill)
- Tahini sauce (tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water)
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Fresh parsley
- Pickled turnips or gherkins (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry; cut into thin strips or cubes.
- In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne (if using), cinnamon/allspice, salt, pepper, and your non-alcohol alternative.
- Add chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4-24 hours for best results.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering hot.
- Add chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown, charred, and cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for a few minutes.
- Warm pita bread: Microwave (15-20 seconds with damp paper towel), oven (350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes in foil), or dry skillet (30-60 seconds per side).
- Carefully open pitas to form pockets, or cut them in half.
- Arrange all prepared toppings – sliced vegetables, parsley, and sauce – on a platter for easy assembly.
- Spread a generous spoonful of sauce inside a warm pita pocket.
- Fill with a hearty portion of cooked shawarma chicken.
- Pile in fresh vegetables: cucumber, tomato, red onion, and lettuce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Aim for 4+ hours of marination for enhanced flavor. Cook chicken on high heat without overcrowding for a crispy exterior. Always warm your pitas for easier filling.