Name: Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless chicken breast or thigh meat; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tsp ground cardamom; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp sweet paprika; 2 tsp ground sumac; 2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp cayenne; ½ tsp ground clove; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 10 mint leaves, chopped; Salt to taste; Pita or lavash; Iceberg lettuce; Sliced tomatoes; Shirazi salad

Description

This authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma is marinated in a bold, zesty spice blend and grilled to perfection. Wrapped in pita or lavash and served with a cool yogurt mint sauce, it’s an irresistible homemade street food classic!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken & Marinade:

3 lbs boneless chicken breast or thigh meat
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice

Shawarma Spice Blend:

2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sweet paprika
2 tsp ground sumac
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp ground clove

Yogurt Mint Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp lemon juice
10 mint leaves, chopped
Salt to taste

Serving Options:

Pita or lavash
Iceberg lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Shirazi salad

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and all Shawarma Spice Blend ingredients.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight).
Prepare the Yogurt Mint Sauce:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving (lasts up to 3 days).
Cook the Chicken (Stovetop or Grill):
- Heat a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat, or preheat a grill to medium-high, lightly greasing the grates.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side until nicely charred, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Slice the chicken and serve with flatbreads, salad, and yogurt mint sauce.
- To make a wrap, spread yogurt sauce on pita or lavash, add chicken, tomatoes, and salad, then roll up and enjoy!

Notes

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled turnips.
Cooking Tip: For extra juiciness, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wrap
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg