Name: Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Tzatziki Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-492242H27M16S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes); 1 medium lemon, zest and juice; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, patted dry; 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for cooking); 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (whole, low, or non-fat); 1 cup English or Persian cucumber, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 1 tablespoon dill, minced; 1 tablespoon mint, minced; 1 medium lemon, zest and juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pita bread; Hummus (your choice of flavor); Cucumbers (Persian or English), chopped into ¼ inch cubes; Cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh red onion, thinly sliced or pickled red onion

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes)

1 medium lemon (zest and juice)

¼ cup olive oil

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (pat dry)

2 tablespoons neutral oil

1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (whole, low, or non-fat)

1 cup English or Persian cucumber (grated)

1 teaspoon cumin

2 cloves garlic (grated or minced)

1 tablespoon dill (minced)

1 tablespoon mint (minced)

1 medium lemon (zest and juice)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pita bread

Hummus (your choice of flavor)

Cucumbers (Persian or English, chopped into ¼” cubes)

Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

Fresh red onion (thinly sliced or pickled red onion)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and coat them fully with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap to form a seal and marinate at room temperature for 1-2 hours or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, cumin, grated garlic, dill, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 3: If grilling, remove chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat and brush with neutral oil. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side without moving to develop grill marks. Once cooked through, rest the chicken covered with foil for 5-10 minutes. Optionally, grill pita bread for 15-30 seconds per side to add char.

Step 4: If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Place marinated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is browned.

Step 5: To assemble, spread hummus on warmed pita bread. Layer with sliced or chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, then roll or fold the pita. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the marinade.

If you prefer a spicier shawarma, increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce.

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you want a leaner option, but thighs stay juicier.

Pickling the red onion adds a tangy crunch that complements the rich chicken.

Make the tzatziki sauce ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld nicely.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more easily compared to thighs. Monitor cooking time carefully and consider marinating longer to help retain moisture.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight. Longer marinating intensifies the flavor and tenderness.