A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and garlic, served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini or garlic sauce.
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
1cupplain Greek yogurt
3clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspground cumin
1tspcoriander
1tsppaprika
0.5tspground cinnamon
0.5tspground allspice
0.5tspblack pepper
0.5tspsalt
2tbspolive oil
1lemon, juiced
Assembly & Serving
4pita breads, warmed
1cucumber, sliced
1tomato, diced
0.5red onion, thinly sliced
0.25cupparsley, chopped
0.25cuptahini
2tbsplemon juice
2clovesgarlic, minced
pinchsalt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor absorption.
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
While the chicken rests, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add water gradually until the sauce reaches a drizzling consistency.
Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet. Assemble the shawarma by placing grilled chicken slices on pita, topped with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. Serve with extra tahini sauce on the side.