Description
These Chicken Shawarma Pitas are flavorful, marinated chicken served in soft pita pockets with fresh toppings and tahini sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 4 soft, pliable pita pockets
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 1 minced garlic (for tahini sauce)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely diced cucumbers
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup pickled turnips (optional)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup banana peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips or bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, plain yogurt, and spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and allspice). Add the chicken to the bowl, toss to coat, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Your Toppings and Sauce: Finely dice cucumbers and tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, shred lettuce, and chop fresh parsley. In a small bowl, combine tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk in cold water until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Warm the Pitas: Warm pita bread one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds to a minute per side until soft. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil.
- Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Pitas: Open each warm pita pocket and spread a spoonful of tahini sauce inside. Fill with cooked chicken and add fresh toppings: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and parsley. Drizzle with additional tahini sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Feel free to add any additional toppings you enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg