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Authentic Chicken Shawarma Pitas Recipe – Quick & Easy Dinner

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Experience the incredible, aromatic flavors of Chicken Shawarma Pitas, a delightful homemade version of your favorite Middle Eastern street food. This quick and easy dinner is customizable and bursting with flavor, perfect for any night of the week!

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Fresh garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Turmeric
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Plain yogurt (optional)
  • Apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • Store-bought pita bread or homemade pita bread
  • Garlic sauce (Toum) or tahini sauce
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Diced cucumbers
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pickled turnips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Then, slice them into thin strips, about 1/2-inch thick and 2-3 inches long.
  3. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine all your marinade ingredients: minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
  4. Marinate: Add the sliced chicken to the bowl, tossing until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Step 2: Cook the Shawarma Chicken
  6. Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
  7. Cook in Batches: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Spread the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned.
  8. Finish Cooking: Stir the chicken and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  9. Step 3: Prepare Your Fillings and Warm the Pitas
  10. Assemble Your Toppings: Shred your lettuce, dice your tomatoes and cucumbers, thinly slice your red onion, and have your pickled turnips and sauce ready.
  11. Warm the Pitas: Wrap pitas in foil and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place directly on a dry, hot skillet for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
  12. Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Pitas
  13. Open the Pita: Gently slice one side of the warm pita bread to create a pocket.
  14. Layer the Sauce: Generously spread your chosen garlic sauce or tahini sauce inside the pita pocket.
  15. Add the Chicken: Spoon a portion of the hot, cooked chicken shawarma into the pita.
  16. Pile on the Veggies: Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, and pickled turnips.
  17. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma Pitas right away with an extra drizzle of sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marination time is key; overnight marination yields the best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking to achieve crispy edges. Warm your pitas properly for the best texture.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/authentic-chicken-shawarma-pitas-recipe-quick-easy-dinner/