Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma – Marinated grilled chicken wrapped in pita

Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma – Marinated Grilled Chicken Wrapped in Pita

Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. This dish is a street food favorite across the Middle East and has gained global popularity due to its bold spices, juicy texture, and satisfying taste.

Shawarma: A Beloved Dish with Many Names and Variations

Shawarma is a staple across various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Though the preparation methods may vary, the essence of marinated meat cooked on a rotating spit remains the same. Here’s how Shawarma is recognized across different regions:

• Levant Region (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine): Known simply as Shawarma, typically served in pita or Saj bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.
• Turkey: A similar dish known as Döner Kebab, often served in flatbread or as a plate with rice and vegetables.
• Greece: The Greek Gyro is closely related, but it usually contains pork or lamb and is served with tzatziki sauce.
• Iraq: Called Gus, Iraqi Shawarma features spiced meat cooked on a vertical spit, served in samoon bread.
• Egypt: Egyptian Shawarma is typically served with tahini sauce and sometimes wrapped in baladi bread.
• Israel: Known as Shawarma, but frequently paired with amba (pickled mango sauce) and hummus.
• India & Pakistan: The dish is commonly referred to as Shawarma and has gained popularity as street food, often wrapped in naan or paratha.

Recipe Overview (Quick Facts Section)

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 2-4 hours
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 600 kcal
• Cooking Difficulty: Moderate
• Lifestyle Suitability & Specialty: High-Protein, Low-Carb Option Available, Middle Eastern Cuisine
• Countries Where the Meal is Popular: Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada

Detailed Description

Chicken Shawarma is an iconic dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. The marinated chicken is then grilled to perfection and sliced into thin strips before being wrapped in pita bread or served as a plate with rice and salad.

This dish is commonly paired with tangy garlic sauce (toum), hummus, tahini, or yogurt sauce, alongside fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles. Chicken Shawarma is not just a meal—it’s an experience, bringing together rich flavors and textures in every bite.

For those who love Middle Eastern flavors, this Chicken Shawarma recipe allows you to enjoy an authentic street food experience at home!

Ingredients (Serving for 2 People)

✅ For the Chicken Marinade

✔ 300g boneless chicken thighs (or breast)
✔ 3 tbsp plain yogurt
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✔ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✔ 1 tsp cumin
✔ 1 tsp coriander
✔ 1 tsp paprika
✔ ½ tsp ground turmeric
✔ ½ tsp cinnamon
✔ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper

✅ For the Wraps & Toppings

✔ 2 pita breads or flatbreads
✔ ½ cup lettuce, shredded
✔ ½ cup tomatoes, diced
✔ ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
✔ ¼ cup cucumber, sliced
✔ ¼ cup pickles (optional)

✅ For the Sauce

✔ ¼ cup tahini or garlic sauce (toum)
✔ 2 tbsp yogurt (optional for a creamy texture)

Items NOT Included in Delivery:

• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber)
• Pita bread or flatbread

List of Utensils Required:

✔ Mixing bowl for marination
✔ Grill pan or skillet
✔ Tongs for flipping chicken
✔ Sharp knife for slicing
✔ Cutting board
✔ Serving plates

Nutritional Information (Per Serving & Per 100g)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all spices. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Warm the pita bread in a pan or oven. Spread a generous amount of tahini or garlic sauce onto the bread. Add shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and pickles. Top with the sliced chicken shawarma and drizzle more sauce. Wrap the pita tightly and serve warm.

Step 4: Pair with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or fries for a complete meal.

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