Authentic Chicken Shawarma
Succulent chicken thighs marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices and lemon, then roasted to perfection.

Total
55 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Serves
4
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Recipe serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
- 0.25 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(optional)
- 1 tsp Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat thoroughly; cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- 4
Spread the chicken thighs out on the baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- 5
Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes until the edges are browned and slightly crisp.
- 6
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- 7
For extra authenticity, quickly sear the sliced strips in a hot cast-iron skillet for 2 minutes to get charred bits.
- 8
Serve immediately in warm pita bread with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
420
21% of a 2,000 kcal day
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Goes well with this
Middle Eastern dishes that round out the meal.

Middle Eastern Chickpea Biryani
Fragrant rice layered with spiced chickpeas, raisins, and toasted pine nuts.

Lentil and Bulgur Khichdi
A Middle Eastern take replacing rice with bulgur wheat for a high-fiber comfort meal.

Homemade Pita Bread
Soft, pillowy flatbreads that puff up in the oven to create the perfect pocket for fillings.
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