Shawarma Dajaj (damascus-style Chicken Shawarma)

Shawarma Dajaj, or Damascus-style Chicken Shawarma, is a popular street food in Syria. This flavorful dish is made with marinated chicken, roasted to perfection, and then wrapped in pita bread with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Shawarma Dajaj (damascus-style Chicken Shawarma)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 pita bread rounds
  • Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for serving
  • Tahini sauce and garlic sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
  5. Warm the pita bread rounds in the skillet or oven. Place the sliced chicken on the pita bread, add the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and drizzle with tahini sauce and garlic sauce.
  6. Roll up the pita bread to form a shawarma wrap and serve immediately.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large skillet Bowl Cutting board Knife Tongs

Tools

Refrigerator Stove Oven (optional for warming pita bread)

Serving suggestions

Serve the Shawarma Dajaj with a side of tabbouleh salad and a refreshing glass of mint lemonade.

Tips & tricks

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or a squeeze of lemon juice to the shawarma wrap before serving.

Cost

$15