Crispy Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches
- 50 min
- Serves 4
- 25 ingredients
20 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. These crispy chicken shawarma sandwiches pack bold Middle Eastern flavors with smoky shawarma spices, tangy toum garlic sauce, and bright sumac onions. The toasted pita becomes crunchy thanks to a sweet tomato‑water paste, while roasted fries add a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick, indulgent dinner for four.
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Method
Chicken
Combine chicken thighs with tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, shawarma seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
TouM
Whisk together mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
Sumac Onions
Mix sliced red onion, finely chopped parsley, sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil. Refrigerate until serving.
Bread Paste
Whisk tomato paste, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.
Cook Chicken
Heat a large pan over very high heat. Arrange chicken in a single even layer and sear without flipping for about 3 minutes to develop a deep char, then finish under the broiler until cooked through and desired color.
Assemble Wrap
Spread toum on a pita, add chicken, roasted fries, pickles, and sumac onions. Roll tightly.
Crisp Wrap
Return the wrapped pita to the pan, pressing and toasting on all sides until golden. Brush the outside with bread paste and continue to toast until the paste caramelizes and the bread is super‑crispy. Serve immediately.
Tips while you cook
- Marinate the chicken
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Develop a deep char
- Sear the chicken without flipping for about 3 minutes on high heat before finishing under the broiler.
- Chill sauces ahead
- Refrigerate the toum and sumac onions until serving.
- Create a super‑crispy crust
- Brush the pita with the tomato‑water paste before the final toast and continue until the paste caramelizes.
Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.
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The recipe comes from Zachary Neman’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.
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