Description
This Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner is a flavorful and easy-to-make Middle Eastern-inspired meal featuring marinated chicken thighs roasted with onions and served with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, and toasted pita bread. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines fragrant spices and fresh ingredients for a deliciously balanced plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt (2 tsp. for marinade, plus extra as needed)
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2” strips
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon (from the zest and juice listed above)
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Cucumber-Tomato Salad
- 3 mini cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
- Heavy pinch of kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Other
- 2 small red onions, sliced into 1/4” to 1/2″ wedges
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for onions)
- Toasted pita bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, tomato paste, ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb the spices and juices.
- Make the Tahini Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the grated garlic, tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Cucumber-Tomato Salad: In a medium bowl, toss the finely chopped cucumbers and quartered cherry tomatoes with a heavy pinch of kosher salt and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Chill this fresh salad until serving time.
- Prepare the Onions: Place a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, toss the sliced red onions with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange for Roasting: On a large baking sheet, spread the onion wedges in a single layer. Arrange the marinated chicken strips around the onions, ensuring everything sits flat and isn’t crowded.
- Roast the Chicken and Onions: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and some pieces are lightly charred for extra flavor.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and top the chicken and onions with the tahini yogurt sauce and the cucumber-tomato salad. Serve immediately with toasted pita bread on the side.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours if time allows.
- You can use chicken breast strips as a leaner alternative to thighs, but cooking times may vary.
- The tahini yogurt sauce can be prepared in a food processor for a fluffier texture.
- To keep the pita warm, wrap it in foil and place in a low oven while the chicken cooks.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Leftover chicken shawarma can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and is great for wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (includes chicken, sauce, salad, and pita)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: chicken shawarma, sheet pan dinner, Middle Eastern chicken, roasted chicken thighs, tahini yogurt sauce, easy weeknight meal