Chicken Shawarma Pita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, wrapped in warm pita with tahini and pickles. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, pita bread, tahini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 400g chicken breast with 1 tsp sumac, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Tip: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures a brighter flavor than bottled.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the mar

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Shawarma Pita take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Shawarma Pita?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Shawarma Pita?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Shawarma Pita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chicken Shawarma Pita gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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