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Chicken Shawarma Pitas Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Pitas Recipe

A delicious Chicken Shawarma Pitas recipe that's bursting with Middle Eastern flavors and easy to customize.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Chicken Shawarma, customizable, Easy Recipe, flavorful, healthy, Pitas
Servings: 4 pitas
Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup Plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 large Juice of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

For Serving

  • 4 pieces Pita bread warm and fluffy
  • 1/2 cup Garlic sauce or tzatziki
  • 2 cups Shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup Diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup Diced cucumbers
  • 1 large Thinly sliced red onion soaked in water for milder taste
  • 1 cup Pickles dill pickles or Middle Eastern pickled turnips
  • Optional add-ins hummus, crispy French fries, olives, feta cheese, hot sauce

Instructions

Cooking Steps

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and slice them into thin, bite-sized strips.
  • Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and spices. Whisk until well blended.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the Skillet: Remove chicken from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  • Cook the Chicken: In batches, cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Let it Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Prepare the Fillings: Shred lettuce, dice tomatoes and cucumbers, and slice red onion. Get your sauce and pickles ready.
  • Warm the Pita: Warm the pita bread in a skillet, microwave, or oven until soft and pliable.
  • Assemble Your Pitas: Open each warm pita to create a pocket. Spread sauce, spoon in chicken, and top with veggies, pickles, and any optional add-ins.

Notes

Aim to marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor absorption and let the cooked chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pita | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 3mg
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