Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma

Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Introduction
Whisk your taste buds away to the Middle East with this simple yet flavorful homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken is paired with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread for a delightful meal that’s sure to please.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 + ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless, sliced into ½-inch thick strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Shawarma Wraps:

• 6 small pita bread
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 Persian or mini cucumbers, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and all the spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and black pepper). Seal the bag tightly and ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked. Alternatively, for a quicker option, you can air fry the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
3. Prepare the Shawarma Wraps:
   Warm the pita bread slightly to make them pliable. On each pita, lay a bed of chopped romaine lettuce, add the cooked chicken strips, and top with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and chopped parsley.
4. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pita wraps. Fold or roll the pita bread to enclose the fillings, and serve while warm.

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Nutritional Information:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 510
• Servings: 4

Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Chicken Shawarma at home, bringing a taste of the Middle East to your dining table with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special weekend treat!

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