Craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Mediterranean restaurant? Look no further than these incredible Chicken Shawarma Pita Pockets! This recipe delivers all the vibrant flavors of authentic shawarma without the complicated techniques or lengthy cooking times. Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, nestled in warm pita bread with creamy tahini sauce and crisp fresh vegetables. It's a flavor explosion in every bite!
Forget takeout – this recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. From the quick marinade to the effortless assembly, you’ll be enjoying these flavorful pita pockets in under an hour. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Strainer
- Paper towel
- Grill
- Grater
Ingredients
- Pita pockets
- Chicken breasts: 2
- Chicken shawarma seasoning
- Nonfat Greek yogurt: ½ cup
- Cucumber: ½
- Dill
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Tahini
- Tomatoes
- Optional: Cabbage, olives, hummus, baba ghanoush, feta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Marinade
- Strain ½ cup of nonfat Greek yogurt for about 20 minutes to thicken it.
- Shred ½ cucumber and strain it to remove excess water.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with chicken shawarma seasoning.
- Combine strained yogurt, strained cucumber, garlic powder, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Warm the Pita
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side over medium heat.
- Warm the pita pockets.
Step 3. Assemble the Shawarma Pockets
- Spread tzatziki sauce on the inside of the pita pockets.
- Add the grilled chicken shawarma to the pita pockets.
- Add your choice of vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, olives, etc.).
- Top with tahini.
Read more: Lebanese Kofta Kebabs Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Feel free to experiment with other ingredients to customize your pita pockets.
- Cucumbers are a great source of hydration.
- Dill helps prevent bacterial overgrowth.
- Sesame seeds are a great source of copper, which works with iron to form red blood cells.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works perfectly. Just skip the cooking step in the recipe and add it to the pita pockets with the other ingredients.
2. What can I substitute for tahini sauce?
If you don't have tahini, a creamy yogurt sauce or even a simple mayonnaise-based dressing with lemon juice and herbs would be a tasty alternative.
So there you have it – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful Chicken Shawarma Pita Pocket recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Enjoy the satisfying blend of savory chicken, tangy sauce, and fresh vegetables. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet restaurant-worthy meal!