chicken-shawarma-with-yogurt-sauce

Lunch Food

Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

The key to cooking juicy chicken without a spit in this healthy recipe is high heat and dark meat. The yogurt in the marinade gives the chicken both its tender texture and its alluring char. More yogurt in the sauce, along with crunchy cucumbers and herbs, keeps the flavors bright.

Ingredients

  1. ¾ cup whole-milk plain yogurt, divided

  2. 1 small yellow onion, grated

  3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided

  4. 3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely grated, divided

  5. 2 teaspoons ground coriander

  6. 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  7. 1 teaspoon ground allspice

  8. 1 teaspoon ground pepper

  9. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

  10. ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

  11. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  12. ½ cup finely chopped seeded cucumber

  13. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, cilantro and/or parsley

  14. 3 whole-wheat lavash, halved

  15. Lettuce leaves & sliced tomato for serving

Directions

  1. Combine 1/4 cup yogurt, onion, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves, coriander, cumin, allspice, pepper, 3/4 teaspoon salt and turmeric in a large bowl. Add chicken and rub the yogurt mixture into it. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 3 hours.

  2. Position racks in upper third and center of oven; preheat to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

  3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet; discard any remaining marinade. Roast on the center rack until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165 degrees F, about 20 minutes. Move the baking sheet to the top rack and turn the broiler to high. Broil until browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Thinly slice.

  4. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cucumber and herbs in a small bowl. Divide the chicken among lavash halves. Serve with the yogurt sauce and lettuce and tomato, if desired.