Description
Bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food into your kitchen with these Chicken Shawarma Pitas. Packed with succulent chicken and fresh toppings, this recipe is simple yet impressive.
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- olive oil
- fresh lemon juice
- minced garlic
- plain yogurt
- ground cumin
- ground coriander
- paprika
- turmeric
- cayenne
- cinnamon
- allspice
- soft, pliable pita pockets
- tahini paste
- minced garlic (for tahini sauce)
- cold water
- salt
- finely diced cucumbers
- ripe tomatoes
- thinly sliced red onion
- shredded lettuce
- fresh parsley
- pickled turnips (optional)
- bell peppers (optional)
- banana peppers (optional)
- feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips or bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, plain yogurt, and spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and allspice). Add the chicken to the bowl, toss to coat, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Your Toppings and Sauce: Finely dice cucumbers and tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, shred lettuce, and chop fresh parsley. In a small bowl, combine tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk in cold water until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Warm the Pitas: Warm pita bread one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds to a minute per side until soft. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil.
- Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Pitas: Open each warm pita pocket and spread a spoonful of tahini sauce inside. Fill with cooked chicken and add fresh toppings: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and parsley. Drizzle with additional tahini sauce and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet or Grill
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Don't skimp on marinating time for maximum flavor. Consider grilling the chicken for a smoky char. Customize your toppings to your liking, and make extra tahini sauce for drizzling or dipping.