Description
This Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring marinated chicken thighs roasted with red onions, topped with a bright cucumber and tomato salad, and finished with a tangy tahini yogurt sauce. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with Middle Eastern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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. plus 1/2 tsp.
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2″ strips
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. tahini
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon (from above lemon zest and juice)
Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 3 mini cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, a heavy pinch
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 small red onions, sliced into 1/4″ to 1/2″ wedges
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
To Serve
- Toasted pita bread
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 of yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Tahini Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and remaining 1/2 cup yogurt until smooth and creamy. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad: Toss the chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a generous pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley in a medium bowl. Refrigerate the salad until serving.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Onions: Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, toss the onion wedges with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil until well coated.
- Arrange Chicken and Onions: Transfer the onion mixture to a large baking sheet and spread out evenly. Arrange the marinated chicken strips around the onion wedges in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast the Chicken and Onions: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and some pieces develop lightly charred edges.
- Serve: Top the roasted chicken and onions with the tahini yogurt sauce and the cucumber tomato salad. Serve alongside toasted pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- The marination of chicken thighs with spices and yogurt tenderizes the meat and infuses it with authentic shawarma flavors.
- Roasting on a sheet pan with red onions allows for easy cleanup and a balanced meal from one pan.
- The tahini yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the spices and roasted chicken.
- The fresh cucumber and tomato salad adds brightness and crunch for textural contrast.
- Feel free to add pickled vegetables or hot sauce on the side for added depth and heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 821 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 146 mg
