Indulge in the flavors of the Middle East with these delectable chicken shawarma sandwiches. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and wrapped in warm pita bread with tangy garlic sauce and crunchy vegetables, these sandwiches are a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. They are great for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. Impress your friends and family with this homemade chicken shawarma recipe that will transport you straight to the streets of Beirut.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce or garlic sauce (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Warm the pita breads on the grill or stovetop, or in a toaster.
- Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
- To assemble the sandwiches, spread a tablespoon of tahini sauce or garlic sauce on each pita bread. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped parsley, and the grilled chicken strips.
- Fold the pita breads in half and serve immediately. You can also wrap them in foil or parchment paper for a portable meal.
- Enjoy the delicious and flavorful chicken shawarma sandwiches!
Interesting Facts
Shawarma is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries and is typically made with grilled meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb.
The word 'shawarma' comes from the Turkish word 'çevirme,' which means 'turning,' referring to the rotating spit on which the meat is cooked.
Traditionally, shawarma is served with a variety of toppings, including pickles, garlic sauce, and tahini sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita bread.
Chicken shawarma sandwiches are a healthier alternative to the traditional red meat shawarma, as chicken is lower in fat and calories.
The marinade for the chicken includes a blend of spices that give the dish its distinct and aromatic flavor.