Dinner

Turkish Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Name: Turkish Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup malt vinegar; ¼ cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; salt to taste; pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon mixed spice; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom; 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs; ½ cup tahini; ¼ cup plain yogurt; ½ teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 4 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced; ½ cup sliced onion; 4 cups shredded lettuce; 8 pita bread rounds

This Turkish-inspired chicken shawarma features tender marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, and served in warm pita bread with a creamy tahini-yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.

Instructions

To prepare the chicken marinade, combine the malt vinegar, ¼ cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon mixed spice, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl or resealable bag.
Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tahini-yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup tahini, ¼ cup plain yogurt, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to reach a pourable consistency. Set aside.
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely browned with some charred edges. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Warm the pita bread rounds according to package instructions, either in a microwave, oven, or on the same pan used for the chicken.
To assemble the shawarmas, spread a generous amount of the tahini-yogurt sauce inside each warm pita bread. Fill with cooked chicken, thinly sliced tomatoes, sliced onion, and shredded lettuce.
Fold or roll the pita bread to create a delicious, portable shawarma. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This homemade Chicken Shawarma recipe captures the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine with a simplified approach perfect for any home cook. Marinated in a blend of spices, vinegar, and yogurt, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Served with a refreshing tahini-yogurt sauce and crisp vegetables, it’s a delightful and wholesome meal that’s easier to make than you might think.