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Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Yogurt Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs baked to golden perfection and served with a refreshing yogurt sauce and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita bread. Infused with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, this dish offers a flavorful and aromatic meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving

  • Pitas, warmed
  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
  2. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. To the remaining marinade, add the thinly sliced onion and toss to coat the onion pieces thoroughly with the flavorful mixture.
  3. Bake Chicken and Onions: Remove the chicken thighs and onions from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  4. Make Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season the mixture with kosher salt to taste and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Shawarma Pitas: Warm your pita breads, then generously layer them with the sliced chicken, roasted onions, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced cucumber. Drizzle or spread the prepared yogurt sauce over the fillings. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the vibrant, savory flavors.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer (up to overnight) for even more tender and flavorful results.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay juicier.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper amount slightly in the marinade.
  • Warm the pita bread wrapped in foil in the oven to keep them soft and pliable.
  • This recipe can be served as a plated dish without pita for a low-carb option.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal