Traditional Israeli Chicken Shawarma

I love chicken shawarma. It is so flavorful and you can add it to pita, or salad or serve it by itself with sides. It is also very easy to make. I love making it during the summer to keep on hand for the weekends for a quick lunch. I just add it to a pita and top it with tahini sauce and I am good to go. If I want something a bit lighter, I add it to a bed of mixed greens and top it with tahini sauce and have a delicious salad for lunch.

Sometimes I make a chicken shawarma-style pizza for dinner just to use up any leftovers I may have. I get some pizza dough, top with pasta sauce, some chicken shawarma, feta, parm, and mozzarella. I then bake it until it is nice and golden and the cheeses are melted. Once I remove it from the oven I drizzle over a bit of olive oil and it is a delicious dinner. It is simple but very tasty.

Let me share with you how I make my chicken shawarma.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp garam masala
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts OR thighs
1 onion – diced
Pita for serving
Tahini sauce for serving

TAHINI SAUCE:

1/4 cup tahini
Juice of 1/2 lemon ( more if you like it more lemony)
Salt and pepper
4 tbsp water

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl combine the curry powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and place it on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for 45 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400*. Line a baking tray with parchment.
3. Add the chicken to the lined tray and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes. Dice into cubes or thinly slice into slices. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and the onion. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is golden brown. Remove from the heat to a serving dish.
5. FOR THE TAHINI SAUCE: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until completely smooth. Serve on the side and top the shawarma with the sauce.

• Serve with pita, tahini sauce, cucumber, tomato, or however you prefer.