Chicken Shawarma

Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Refreshing Yogurt Sauce

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma recipe, bursting with the flavors of the Middle East. Perfectly marinated chicken is roasted to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita. This dish is not only delicious but also beautifully aromatic, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large red onion, sliced

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For Serving:

• Warmed pitas
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• Tomatoes, diced
• Cucumber, sliced

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Toss the sliced red onion in the remaining marinade and spread both onion and marinated chicken thighs evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the yogurt sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
5. Assemble and Serve: Warm the pitas and start layering. Add chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices onto each pita. Top with sliced chicken, onions, and a generous drizzle of the yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Prep and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2-24 hours
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 1 day

Enjoy this vibrant Chicken Shawarma wrapped in soft pitas with crisp, fresh vegetables and the creamy tang of yogurt sauce. It’s a flavorful journey to the Middle East without leaving your kitchen!

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