Description
This irresistible chicken shawarma recipe delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with tender, juicy marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection. Wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a flavorful tahini or garlic sauce, it’s the perfect homemade shawarma for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 to 6 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce or garlic sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and tomato paste. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
- Bake the chicken and onions: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs and sliced onions on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips to mimic traditional shawarma style.
- Assemble the shawarma wraps: Warm the pita breads and fill each with the sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma wraps fresh and warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For the most intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- Grilling the marinated chicken instead of baking adds a delicious smoky flavor.
