Shawarma Djej (syrian Chicken Shawarma)

Shawarma Djej, or Syrian Chicken Shawarma, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is popular in Syrian Jewish cuisine. This dish features marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served with pita bread, pickles, and tahini sauce.

Shawarma Djej (syrian 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 red onions for serving
  • Tahini sauce and pickles 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 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per 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 into thin strips.
  5. Warm the pita bread rounds in the skillet for a minute on each side.
  6. Assemble the shawarma by placing the sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions on the pita bread. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve with pickles on the side.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
18g

Supplies

Large skillet Bowl for marinating Cutting board Sharp knife

Tools

Tongs Spatula

Serving suggestions

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

Tips & tricks

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

Cost

$15