Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Middle Eastern street food paradise with this mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, perfectly spiced chicken nestled in warm pita bread, drizzled with creamy tahini sauce - a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your dinner table. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a weeknight meal hero, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tahini sauce
- 1 cup chopped vegetables
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Arrange chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Roast chicken in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice chicken into thin strips against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
- Warm pita breads in the oven or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble shawarma by placing sliced chicken in pita, topping with chopped vegetables and drizzling tahini sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the chicken sit in the spice mixture overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, creating an incredibly rich and authentic taste.
- Temperature Matters: Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly and ensures juicy, tender results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Slice Against the Grain: When cutting the cooked chicken, slice against the grain to guarantee the most tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the recipe suggests chopped vegetables, feel free to add your favorite shawarma toppings like pickled turnips, fresh herbs, or extra spicy sauce to make it your own.
- Pita Perfection: Warm your pita bread just before serving to enhance its softness and flavor - a skillet or quick oven toast works wonderfully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
