Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with these delicious Chicken Shawarma Pitas. Juicy, marinated chicken is stuffed into warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Shawarma spice blend (ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon or cardamom)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Plain yogurt (optional)
- Soft, pliable pita bread
- Garlicky tahini sauce or homemade toum (garlic sauce) or tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt sauce)
- Thinly sliced lettuce
- Ripe tomatoes
- Crisp cucumbers
- Finely diced red onion
- Pickled turnips, dill pickles, or pickled red onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shawarma spice blend, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and plain yogurt (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Add your thinly sliced chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, slice your lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Drain any pickled items you're using. Prepare your chosen sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Warm your pita bread directly on a gas burner over a low flame for about 20-30 seconds per side until it puffs up slightly and softens, or warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully slice open one edge of each warm pita bread to create a pocket. Spread a layer of your chosen sauce inside the pita pocket. Spoon in a hearty portion of the cooked shawarma chicken. Layer in your fresh vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add a few pieces of your favorite pickled items. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken for longer for more flavor. Ensure your pan is hot for a good sear. Warm pitas are easier to stuff and less likely to tear.