Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection either on a grill or in an air fryer. Served with a tangy homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for wrapping in warm pita bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 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
To Serve
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, forming a seal, and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or alternatively, marinate in the refrigerator overnight for deeper flavor.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, ground cumin, minced garlic, dill, mint, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare to Cook (Grill Method): If marinated overnight, remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Oil the grill or pan with neutral oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side without moving, allowing for nice grill marks and caramelization. Once cooked through and nicely charred, transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
- Grill the Pita (Optional): If desired, grill the pita bread for 15-30 seconds per side to add slight char and warmth, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Alternative Cooking (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Shawarma: Slice or chop the cooked chicken as preferred. On warmed pita bread, spread a layer of hummus, add the chicken, spoon over tzatziki sauce, and top with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced or pickled red onions. Fold or roll the pita to serve.
Notes
- Marinate longer (overnight) for more intense flavors and tender chicken.
- If using air fryer, cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
- Adjust cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to control heat level according to your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of sumac or smoked paprika on top before serving.
- Pita bread can be substituted with flatbread or wraps if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma, Tzatziki Sauce, Shawarma Wrap
