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Chicken Shawarma

Recreate the authentic taste of Chicken Shawarma with marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served with fresh vegetables and sauces in warm pita or wraps.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil For marinating.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Pita bread or wraps
  • 2 cups Fresh vegetables e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers.
  • 1/2 cup Tahini sauce or garlic sauce For drizzling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they're well coated. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred. If using an oven, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Assembly
  1. Assemble your Chicken Shawarma by placing sliced chicken in pita or wraps with fresh vegetables and sauces.

Notes

Consider using boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option or add yogurt to the marinade for creaminess. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by swapping chicken for grilled vegetables or chickpeas.