Description
This Delicious Chicken Shawarma Stuffed Pita recipe features juicy, marinated chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful shawarma spice blend, grilled to perfection, and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick, tasty Middle Eastern-inspired meal, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 2 tablespoons Shawarma Spice Blend (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4-6 pieces Pita Bread
- 2 cups Fresh Vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions)
- 0.5 cup Tahini Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the shawarma spice blend, minced garlic, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop deeply.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the marinated chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven.
- Grill or Bake: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side if grilling, or bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then slice into thin strips to prepare for stuffing.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Slightly warm the pita bread in the oven or on the grill to soften and enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Pitas: Layer sliced chicken and fresh vegetables in the center of each pita. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce for creaminess and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Fold the pita in half or roll it up tightly and serve immediately for a delicious, fresh shawarma experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, baking in the oven is a perfect alternative.
- Customize the fresh vegetables based on your preferences, adding pickles or fresh herbs if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or serve with hot sauce.
- Warm the pita bread just before assembling to avoid it becoming soggy.
