(chicken Shawarma) Recipe
zhug-yogurt, arugula, tomato relish, feta, sumac-onion, micro cilantro. Served on naan
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
Zhug-Yogurt Sauce
Tomato Relish
Sumac-Onion
Assembly & Garnish
Optional Seasonings
Method
Chicken & Marinade
Prepare and marinate chicken
Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry. Combine 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–6 hours (up to overnight) for best flavor.
Cook chicken
Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add a little oil if using a skillet. Cook thighs 4–6 minutes per side until well browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
Zhug-Yogurt Sauce
Whisk together 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 teaspoons zhug, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust zhug for heat or lemon for brightness. Chill until ready to assemble.
Tomato Relish
Combine the diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and let sit 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
Sumac-Onion
Assembly & Garnish
Assemble the shawarma: Lay a warmed naan on a plate. Spread 1–2 tablespoons zhug-yogurt sauce over the center of each naan. Top with a handful (about 1/2 cup) of arugula, then arrange sliced chicken (about 4 oz per naan). Spoon 2–3 tablespoons tomato relish over the chicken, scatter 2 tablespoons crumbled feta, and add a tablespoon of the sumac-onion. Finish with a sprinkle of micro cilantro and optional extra sumac or red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve immediately while naan and chicken are warm. Provide extra zhug-yogurt sauce on the side if desired.