Imagine a culinary journey that transforms your kitchen into a vibrant street food haven, where the aromatic spices of the Middle East come alive on your plate. This Chicken Shawarma for Two Open Faced recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that promises to transport you straight to the bustling markets of Lebanon, all without leaving your home. Get ready to impress your dinner companion with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to create and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing with joy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice mix
- 2 pita breads
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with shawarma spice mix, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs into the hot pan. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the accompaniments. Slice the cucumber and tomato into thin, even pieces.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
- Warm the pita breads briefly in a toaster or on a separate skillet to enhance their softness and flavor.
- Slice the rested chicken into thin strips against the grain for tender bites.
- Assemble the open-faced shawarma by spreading tahini sauce on each pita bread, then layering sliced chicken, cucumber, and tomato.
- Season with additional salt if desired, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to help the spices penetrate deeply.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for the best heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Warm the pita bread just before serving to enhance its texture and flavor.
- Slice the chicken against the grain for the most tender and easy-to-eat bites.
- Don't be shy with the tahini sauce—it's the secret weapon that elevates this dish from good to absolutely extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 514kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
