Chicken Shawarma Pita Pocket 🌯

A flavorful, juicy chicken shawarma stuffed into warm pita bread with crisp vegetables and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner!

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to overnight marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (or longer if marinated overnight)
• Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pita Pockets

• 4 pita breads
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• Pickles (optional)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices.
2. Add the sliced chicken and coat thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4–24 hours.

2. Make the Sauce

1. Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add a little oil.
3. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

4. Warm the Pita

• Warm pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

5. Assemble

Open each pita pocket and fill with:

• Shredded lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Cooked shawarma chicken
• Garlic yogurt sauce
• Pickles and feta (optional)

💡 Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal.
• Add sliced avocado or hummus for a delicious twist.
• Serve with fries, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma Pita Pocket—tender, spice-packed chicken wrapped in warm pita with crisp veggies and a creamy garlic sauce! 🌯✨