Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs (or chicken breast) to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers if desired (this is optional).
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 3: Assemble Chicken Shawarma
- Prepare Accompaniments: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your desired accompaniments such as pita bread or flatbreads, tzatziki sauce or tahini sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Slice and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it thinly across the grain.
- Assemble Shawarma: Fill pita bread or flatbreads with the sliced chicken and desired toppings. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce or tahini sauce.
- Serve: Serve Chicken Shawarma immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma:
- Thin Slicing: For the most authentic texture, slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
- Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating enhances the flavors.
- Grilling vs. Baking: Both methods work well; grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, while baking is convenient and ensures even cooking.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or adjust the lemon juice for acidity.
Enjoy the aromatic flavors of Chicken Shawarma at home with this easy-to-follow recipe!