Crispy Chicken Shawarma
Crispy Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4 pita bread, warmed
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup pickled turnips, (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all chicken is coated.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
⏱️ 120 min
- 3
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if the pan is not non-stick.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets crispy.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through, with crispy edges. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
⏱️ 14 min
- 6
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. Repeat with any remaining chicken.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Warm the pita bread according to package instructions, either in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
⏱️ 3 min
- 8
To assemble the shawarma, spread tahini sauce on a warm pita. Fill with crispy chicken, diced cucumber, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and pickled turnips (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley.
⏱️ 4 min
- 9
Fold or roll the pita to create a wrap and serve immediately.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Chicken Shawarma
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4 pita bread, warmed
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup pickled turnips, (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all chicken is coated.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
⏱️ 120 min - 3
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if the pan is not non-stick.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets crispy.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through, with crispy edges. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
⏱️ 14 min - 6
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. Repeat with any remaining chicken.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Warm the pita bread according to package instructions, either in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
⏱️ 3 min - 8
To assemble the shawarma, spread tahini sauce on a warm pita. Fill with crispy chicken, diced cucumber, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and pickled turnips (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley.
⏱️ 4 min - 9
Fold or roll the pita to create a wrap and serve immediately.