Description
This Simple Homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of warm spices and grilled to perfection. Served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.
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
To Serve
- 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 the ingredients thoroughly until the marinade is smooth and well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the grill or skillet: 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 thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are cooked through and nicely charred.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Assemble and serve: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips. Serve the chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of the yogurt sauce made by mixing plain yogurt with a bit of garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, using a skillet or grill pan works equally well.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level.
- Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor.
