Craving shawarma? try our authentic greek version with succulent chicken and homemade pita!

Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with our authentic chicken shawarma recipe. This tantalizing dish combines the savory flavors of marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a warm and fluffy pita bread. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, this step-by-step guide will lead you to shawarma perfection.

Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 pound)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for the Shawarma Filling

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup tahini sauce (recipe below)
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (recipe below)
• Pita bread, warmed

Tahini Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions for Chicken Marinade

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken breast to the marinade and ensure it is fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Instructions for Chicken Cooking

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
4. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing it.

Instructions for Vegetable Preparation

1. Thinly slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
2. Chop the parsley and cilantro.

Instructions for Sauce Preparation

Tahini Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Adjust the consistency with more water or tahini as needed.

Tzatziki Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well combined.

Assembling the Shawarma

1. Spread a layer of tahini sauce on the bottom half of a warm pita bread.
2. Top with the sliced chicken, onions, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, parsley, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and fold the pita bread in half.

Enjoying the Shawarma

Serve the chicken shawarma immediately with additional tahini sauce and tzatziki sauce on the side. Pair it with your favorite Mediterranean sides, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, or tabbouleh.

Tips for Perfect Shawarma

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is preferred for maximum tenderness.
• Grill the chicken over high heat to create a slightly charred exterior.
• Thinly slice the chicken for a more tender and flavorful shawarma.
• Don’t overstuff the pita bread, as it can make it difficult to eat.

Variations on the Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable Shawarma: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a kick.
• Falafel Shawarma: Replace the chicken with falafel balls for a vegetarian option.

“End Note” – A Conclusion

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Greece with this delectable chicken shawarma recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a satisfying meal, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Experiment with different variations and enjoy the culinary journey that shawarma has to offer.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s important to thaw it completely before marinating and grilling.

Q: How long does the chicken shawarma last?
A: The chicken shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What are some other sauces that I can use with chicken shawarma?
A: In addition to tahini and tzatziki sauce, you can also try hummus, harissa, or a garlic-yogurt sauce.

Q: Can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken shawarma ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Q: Is it possible to make a vegan version of chicken shawarma?
A: Yes, you can make a vegan version by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh.