Description
These Chicken Shawarma Smash Pita Tacos combine juicy shawarma-seasoned chicken, crispy pita bread, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and creamy garlic sauce for an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos
- 4 pita breads
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch salt
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions.
- Spread one portion into a thin, even layer over each pita bread.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the pita chicken-side down into the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the pita becomes crispy and golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- Top each pita taco with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- For authentic shawarma flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken if desired.
- Toum can be used instead of the yogurt garlic sauce.
- Pickled red onions or pickled turnips make an excellent topping.
- Best enjoyed fresh while the pita is still crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired