Weeknight Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt

⏱ 60 min · Serves 4

All the smoky, spiced, garlicky joy of a late-night shawarma wrap, made in one hot oven tray. The thighs crisp at the edges, the onions turn sweet and jammy, and a lemony garlic yogurt pulls it all together. Pile it into warm flatbreads and eat with your hands.

Per serving: 735 kcal · 56.0g protein · 54.0g carbs · 33.0g fat

Ingredients

• 800g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 red onions, cut into thick wedges
• 250g thick Greek yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cold water
• 4 flatbreads or pittas
• 1 baby gem lettuce, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Small handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Pickled chillies or pickled cucumbers, to serve

Method

1. In a large bowl mix the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a loose paste.
2. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat every surface. Marinate 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the fridge (longer is better).
3. Heat the oven to 220C fan / 240C conventional. Scatter the onion wedges over a large baking tray.
4. Lay the chicken thighs on top of the onions in a single layer, spooning over any leftover marinade. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until deeply coloured at the edges and cooked through.
5. If you want more char, flash the tray under the grill for 2-3 minutes.
6. Meanwhile stir the yogurt with the grated garlic, lemon juice, water and a pinch of salt until pourable. Chill until needed.
7. Rest the chicken 5 minutes on a board, then slice into thin strips and toss them back through the tray juices and onions.
8. Warm the flatbreads. Load with lettuce, tomato, hot sliced chicken and onions, a big spoon of garlic yogurt, parsley and pickles. Roll tightly and eat immediately.