Shawarma Djaj -- Chicken Shawarma (Lebanon -- Middle East)

Sydney Mike's Note:

This recipe comes from the 2002 cookbook, Mediterranean Street Food. Preparation time does not include the 3 hours needed for the chicken breasts to marinate.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup onion , thinly sliced
• 1 lemon , juice of
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (a 'scant' 1/2 cup)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄8; teaspoon salt , to taste
• 1⁄8; teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 pita bread , oval
• 4 tablespoons garlic sauce (see recipe #373997 #373997)
• 2 small tomatoes , thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion , thinly sliced
• 4 gherkins , thinly sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons mint , finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley , finely chopped

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken breasts with 1/2 cup of onion, lemon juice, olive oil & spices, then add the thyme before adding the salt to taste.
2. Stir well & then let marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then place chicken breasts in a roasting pan & bake for 25-30 minutes or until done.
4. Remove from the oven & shred the chicken into slivers.
5. Open oval pitas at the seam to create a large pocket, then spread a tablespoon of garlic sauce on the bottom half before filling each pits with equal amounts of sandwich ingredients (i.e. chicken, tomato, onion, gherkins, mint & parsley).
6. Wrap the bottom of the 'sandwiches' with a napkin & serve immediately.

Reviews

[um-um-good]

This was good; but, didn't quite remind us of the shawarma we're used to at the restaurant we go to. It wasn't bad; but, i will continue my search for the perfect shawarma.

[mary winecoff]

I loved this recipe! I did serve Tzatziki instead of the garlic sauce because my children like it and I tons of cucumber in the garden. Quick and easy to do. Will make again soon!