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Mobile photo of sliced spiced chicken thighs with dark charred edges for a Chicken Shawarma Recipe.

Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Authentic Handheld Pita Wraps with Garlic Sauce

Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs with charred crispy edges, tucked into warm pita bread and smothered in a velvety white garlic sauce. A 30-minute Mediterranean dinner favorite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 wraps
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spiced Chicken
  • 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs boneless and skinless
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tsp (10g) cumin ground
  • 2 tsp (10g) coriander ground
  • 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp (5g) cinnamon ground
  • 0.5 tsp (2.5g) turmeric
Garlic Sauce
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic finely grated
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice freshly squeezed
Toppings
  • 4 pieces pita bread soft flour pitas
  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup (15g) parsley freshly chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Ensures the best charred edges.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For marinating chicken.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine olive oil and all spices in a bowl. Toss chicken thighs until coated and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Whisk together yogurt, grated garlic, and lemon juice until smooth and velvety.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred edges appear.
  2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Assembly
  1. Place chicken inside toasted pitas. Drizzle with white sauce and top with red onions and parsley.

Notes

Use a cast iron skillet for the best char.
Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.