Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

6 servings
Homemade chicken shawarma (donair) with juicy tender chicken marinated in Middle Eastern spices and wrapped in pita bread is easy to make at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 + 1/2 lb. chicken thighs or breasts

    skinless and boneless, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    divided

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 small pita bread
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce

    chopped

  • 1 medium tomato

    diced

  • 2 Persian or mini cucumbers

    diced

  • 1/4 fresh parsley

    finely chopped

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    optional

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic

    minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken strips with 1 tablespoon oil and all seasoning. Press air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the seasoning around the chicken strips to coat. Let it marinate for 1 hour, up to overnight in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken in a large mixing bowl and cover.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 400 F. Add and spread chicken evenly on a large parchment-lined half sheet baking pan in a single layer. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through and crispy. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

    Air Fryer Instructions: To air fry the chicken instead, spread chicken evenly in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway during cooking to brown evenly.

  3. 3

    Serve chicken in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and parsley.

  4. 4

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the garlic yogurt sauce and stir until smooth. Drizzle on top of the chicken shawarma and serve. You can also add tzatziki sauce instead or a spread of hummus.

Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

90 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible, juicy chicken shawarma flavor without leaving your kitchen? This homemade recipe brings the authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food right to your table, perfect for a satisfying meal. The secret to truly flavorful shawarma lies in the generous blend of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander that deeply infuses the chicken. This aromatic marinade ensures every strip of chicken is incredibly tender and bursting with savory goodness, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that rivals your favorite takeout. It's a true donair experience, easy to make at home. Prepare for a delightful interplay of textures and bold flavors. You'll bite into strips of chicken that are exceptionally juicy and tender, fragrant with warm spices. This is perfectly complemented by the refreshing crunch of chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crisp Persian cucumbers, all nestled within soft pita bread. A creamy, tangy Greek yogurt sauce, brightened with lemon and a hint of garlic, ties all the elements together, offering a cool counterpoint to the spiced chicken. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to use either chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch strips, for slightly different textures. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat, making it milder or spicier. For the yogurt sauce, if you prefer, you can omit the Dijon mustard without sacrificing flavor, as the fresh lemon juice and minced garlic provide ample zing. Serve these delectable chicken shawarma wraps for a fun, casual weeknight dinner or as a standout dish at your next gathering. They are a complete meal on their own, but pair beautifully with a simple side salad.

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