Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this Grilled Chicken Shawarma recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and served in warm, charred pita bread, layered with a colorful sauté of bell peppers and onions. The dish is then finished with a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce that adds a refreshing contrast to the spices. Perfect for family dinners or gathering with friends, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of taste and texture.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground coriander
1 tablespoon (ground)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon (ground)
Ground cardamom
1 tablespoon (ground)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
Montreal steak seasoning
1 tablespoon
Lemon
1 (juiced, divided)
Garlic clove
1 large (finely chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons (divided)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (6-8 ounces each)
Onion
1 large (sliced)
Red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (sliced)
Tahini
1/4 cup
Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups
Pita bread
4
Instructions
1
Preheat your indoor or outdoor grill to high heat to ensure perfect grilling conditions.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, chili powder, smoked paprika, and Montreal steak seasoning.
3
Stir in the juice of half a lemon, minced garlic, and about 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a paste-like consistency.
4
Generously coat the chicken breasts with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well covered.
5
Place the seasoned chicken onto the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
6
While the chicken is grilling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions and bell peppers, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
7
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
8
In a separate bowl, combine the juice of the remaining half lemon, tahini, Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
9
Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute on each side to achieve a light char and flexibility.
10
To serve, load each pita with sliced grilled chicken, followed by the onion and pepper mixture, and finish with a generous dollop of the yogurt-tahini sauce.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, each weighing about 6-8 ounces.
What spices are needed for the chicken shawarma marinade?
You will need ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cardamom, chili powder, smoked paprika, and Montreal steak seasoning.
How do I create the marinade paste?
Whisk the spices with the juice of half a lemon, minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until a paste forms.
How should the chicken be grilled?
Grill the seasoned chicken on high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Why should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices for a more tender texture.
What vegetables are included in the shawarma?
The dish features a sauté of one large onion, one red bell pepper, and one yellow bell pepper.
How do I prepare the sautéed vegetables?
Sauté sliced onions and peppers in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until tender and caramelized.
What are the ingredients for the Yogurt-Tahini sauce?
The sauce consists of Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
How much Greek yogurt is required for the sauce?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of Greek yogurt.
How do I prepare the pita bread?
Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side to achieve a light char and flexibility.
How is the shawarma assembled?
Load each warmed pita with thinly sliced grilled chicken, followed by the onion and pepper mixture, and top with the yogurt-tahini sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken shawarma?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
One serving contains 15 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much tahini is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of tahini.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both the marinade, the sauté, and the sauce.
Can I use a different type of paprika?
The recipe specifically calls for smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the shawarma flavor.
How much ground coriander is used?
The marinade includes 1 tablespoon of ground coriander.
How much ground cumin is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
What amount of cardamom is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground cardamom.
Is the chili powder used in large amounts?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How many pita breads does this recipe accommodate?
The recipe is designed for 4 pita breads.
How is the lemon used in this recipe?
One lemon is juiced and divided; half is used for the chicken marinade and the other half for the yogurt-tahini sauce.
What total amount of olive oil is used?
A total of 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used across the different components of the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, shawarma, grilled, Mediterranean, pita, healthy, easy, and quick.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.