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Homemade Chicken Shawarma 

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Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish with tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread. This easy-to-make recipe brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering. The chicken is marinated to perfection and grilled to a juicy, flavorful finish, while the sauce adds the perfect creamy kick. Customizable with extra veggies or heat, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp lemon juice

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground allspice

¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

1½ cups plain yogurt

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shawarma:

8 pieces pita bread

3 cups shredded lettuce

1 red onion, thinly sliced

4 tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.

  • Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest, then slice it into thin strips.

  • Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Spread a generous amount of sauce on each pita. Top with chicken, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with additional sauce and wrap or serve open-faced.

  • Serve: Serve immediately for the best experience with fresh, juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce.

Notes

  • Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pita and a yogurt-based sauce without mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.

  • Spicier Shawarma: Add more Sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken for extra heat.

  • Add More Veggies: Include cucumbers, bell peppers, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita bread for a gluten-free version.

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/homemade-chicken-shawarma/