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A rotating spit of seasoned chicken shawarma being cooked to perfection.

Classic Chicken Shawarma with Zesty Tahini Sauce

This classic chicken shawarma recipe features thinly sliced chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, then seared to perfection. Serve it in warm pita bread with zesty tahini sauce and your favorite toppings for a flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron)

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

For Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional for Serving

  • Pita bread
  • hummus
  • tahini sauce
  • chopped tomatoes
  • cucumbers, red onion, lettuce
  • pickled turnips.

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and slice them thinly against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices (cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper).
  • Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for best flavor.

Cooking Steps

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Cook the chicken in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned, slightly caramelized, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Assembly

  • Warm your pita bread. Load each pita with chicken shawarma and your preferred toppings like hummus, tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickled turnips. Roll up and enjoy.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight significantly enhances the flavor and tenderness. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. Serve with a variety of fresh toppings for a complete meal experience. The nutritional information provided is an estimate and does not include optional toppings.