Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that has become a global favorite. It is made of marinated chicken that is roasted on a spit and served with a variety of vegetables and sauces, all wrapped in a warm pita bread. If you want to make this delicious dish at home, here's how you can do it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 4-6 pita breads
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
  • Hot sauce or tahini sauce for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated chicken strips evenly on it. Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping the strips halfway through.

  3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce by whisking together the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

  4. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, warm the pita breads in the oven or on a skillet until they are soft and pliable.

  5. To assemble the shawarmas, spread some of the yogurt sauce on each pita bread. Top with some of the roasted chicken, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Drizzle some hot sauce or tahini sauce over the top if desired.

  6. Fold the sides of the pita bread over the filling and roll it up tightly. Serve the chicken shawarmas warm with extra yogurt sauce and hot sauce or tahini sauce on the side.

Making chicken shawarma at home may seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and some patience, it's actually quite simple. With this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.