Description
To put it simply, this dish is a beautifully modernized, home kitchen version of the iconic vertical spit roast popular throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. In commercial settings, layers of seasoned meat are stacked high on a rotating vertical spit and slowly shaved away as the exterior crisps up under intense heat. This home recipe mimics that incredible depth of flavor by utilizing heavily seasoned, thin cuts of meat cooked at high heat in a traditional flat skillet or grill pan.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For Assembly
- 4 large halal tortillas, pita breads, or flatbreads
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- Add the sliced chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the garlic sauce.
- Warm the tortillas or flatbreads.
- Layer each wrap with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cooked chicken, and a generous drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly into wraps.
- Slice in half and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 510
Keywords: homemade halal chicken shawarma, healthy doner kebab flatbread, turkish street food wraps