Description
Sizzling spices dance through this chicken shawarma, bringing Middle Eastern street food magic right to your kitchen. Tender marinated chicken wraps in warm pita, promising a flavor journey that connects comfort with culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pita bread or rice, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, zesty lemon juice, creamy yogurt, and fragrant olive oil until a harmonious blend emerges.
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a minimum of one hour, though overnight marination will elevate the taste profile.
- Heat your cooking surface – either a preheated grill or oven – to a consistent 400°F (200°C), preparing for optimal protein preparation.
- For grilling enthusiasts: Arrange marinated chicken over medium heat, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
- Alternatively, for oven-roasting: Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet, roasting for 25-30 minutes until thoroughly cooked, turning midway to promote even caramelization.
- After cooking, allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice chicken into elegant strips, revealing the beautifully seasoned interior.
- Present your shawarma accompanied by warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, garnishing with fresh parsley, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp onions for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat and create a more robust taste profile.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results, as they retain more moisture and provide richer flavor compared to boneless chicken breasts.
- Customize spice blend by adjusting quantities to personal preference, making the shawarma mild or more intense based on individual taste.
- Ensure food safety by checking internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg