Description
Experience a flavor explosion with these Chicken Shawarma Pitas, featuring tender, spiced chicken and fresh vegetables nestled in warm pita bread. This recipe brings authentic street food vibes right into your kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- Juice of one large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4–5 cloves minced garlic
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pita bread
- Garlic sauce (Touma) or tzatziki
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Pickles (dill pickles or Middle Eastern pickled turnips)
- Optional add-ins: hummus, crispy French fries, olives, feta cheese, hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and slice them into thin, bite-sized strips.
- Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and spices. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine & Marinate: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat: Take the chicken out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Cook in Batches: Cook the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare Fillings and Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking or resting, prepare the fillings by shredding lettuce, dicing tomatoes and cucumbers, and slicing red onion. Get out the garlic sauce or tzatziki and pickles.
- Step 4: Warm the Pitas
- Warm the pita bread in a skillet, microwave, or oven until soft and pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Pitas
- Open each warm pita to create a pocket, spread a layer of garlic sauce or tzatziki, spoon in the chicken, add fresh veggies, pickles, and any optional add-ins. Fold or roll the pita tightly to hold the fillings.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor, cook in batches to avoid steaming, and always warm your pitas for the best texture. Customize with your favorite toppings!