Experience the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this delectable Chicken Shawarma recipe, served as a Detroit-style Lebanese pita sandwich. This recipe guides you through crafting every element from scratch, ensuring a rich tapestry of flavors that seamlessly blend together in one satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
🥄 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
🧄 2 tablespoons minced garlic, about 6 cloves
🍅 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🍋 2 tablespoons lemon juice
🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
🍷 1 tablespoon white vinegar
🌿 1 teaspoon allspice
🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
💚 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
🌰 1 teaspoon cinnamon
🌿 ½ teaspoon ground cloves
🌰 1 teaspoon ground coriander
🌿 1 teaspoon ground cumin
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🌰 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌿 1 teaspoon turmeric
🌿 1 teaspoon ground sumac

Chicken:
🍗 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Pita Bread:
🌊 1 ½ cups warm water, 105-115°F
🍞 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
🌾 2 cups whole wheat flour
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🫒 Additional olive oil for greasing bowl and brushing

Toum Garlic Sauce:
🧄 2 large bulbs of garlic, about 20-30 cloves, peeled with germ removed
🧂 2 teaspoons kosher salt
🍋 ⅓ cup lemon juice
🫒 1 ⅔ cups olive oil

Middle Eastern Pickles:
🥒 2 lbs pickling cucumbers, sliced
🍷 2 ½ cups white vinegar
🌊 2 ½ cups water
🧂 2 tablespoons kosher salt
🌿 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
🌿 1 teaspoon whole coriander
🌿 2 fresh dill sprigs or 1 tsp dried dill
🧄 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled

Instructions

1- Prepare Marinade:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, spices, olive oil, and lemon juice.
• Whisk until smooth.

2- Prepare Chicken:

• Pound chicken thighs using a meat tenderizer until thin.
• Marinate overnight in a Ziploc bag with the marinade.

3- Skewer & Cook:

• Skewer the marinated chicken on a vertical skewer.
• Cook for 3 hours at 325°F in an offset smoker or grill until internal temperature reaches 180°F.

4- Rest & Slice:

• Rest cooked chicken.
• Thinly slice for serving.

5- Berry Brine:

• In a saucepan, boil vinegar, water, salt, peppercorns, and coriander.

6- Prepare Jars:

• Place dill and garlic in Mason jars.
• Add sliced cucumbers, then pour over hot brine.

7- Cool & Refrigerate:

• Once cooled, seal jars.
• Refrigerate for optimal taste improvement over several days.

8- Initial Garlicking:

• Process garlic and salt into a paste using a food processor.

9- Emulsify:

• Slowly blend in lemon juice and olive oil.
• Alternate between each until you acquire a creamy emulsion.

10- Activate Yeast:
- Mix warm water and yeast, let it bloom.
- Then add flours, salt, and olive oil.

11- Knead & Rise:
- Knead dough in a KitchenAid stand mixer.
- Allow it to rise covered in a greased bowl until doubled.

12- Portion & Cook:
- Divide dough, roll into circles.
- Cook on a hot griddle until it puffs.

13- Spread:
- Apply a layer of toum sauce over warm pita.

14- Load Up:
- Add sliced shawarma chicken and pickles.

15- Roll & Wrap:
- Roll up and slightly overlap in deli paper for easy handling.

Prep Time: Approx. 1 hour, active
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: Approx. 8+ hours, including marination
Servings: 4-6 sandwiches
Calories: Approx. 600 calories per sandwich
Protein: 35g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment: Meat tenderizer, Oklahoma Joe's smoker/grill, KitchenAid food processor & stand mixer, Char-Broil griddle

Cooking Tips

• Ensure slow and steady oil addition in toum for a stable emulsion.
• Maintain high heat while cooking pita for optimal puffing.

#recipe #chickenshawarma #lebanese #homemade #pitasandwich

Great Lakes Country: https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLakesPrepping

#greatlakesprepping

Chicken Shawarma Pita Sandwich