Shawarma Dajaj (yemeni Spiced Chicken Shawarma)

Shawarma Dajaj is a popular Yemeni street food that features spiced chicken wrapped in a warm pita with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce. This recipe brings the flavors of Yemeni cuisine to your kitchen, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Dietary Restrictions None Main Course Yemeni Yemeni Cuisine Chicken Shawarma Middle Eastern Flavors
Shawarma Dajaj (yemeni Spiced Chicken Shawarma)

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken mixture and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  3. Warm the pita bread rounds in a dry skillet or in the oven.
  4. Assemble the shawarma by placing a generous amount of the cooked chicken mixture onto the center of each pita bread round. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Drizzle with tahini sauce or garlic sauce.
  5. Roll up the pita bread to enclose the filling, and serve the shawarma immediately.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
35 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Cutting board Knife Large bowl Skillet Tongs

Tools

Skillet Oven

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Serve the shawarma with a side of tabbouleh salad or hummus and pita chips.

Tips & tricks

Tips: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or a squeeze of lemon juice to the assembled shawarma.

Cost

$15