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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.

Active Time
35 mins
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Yield
Serves 6

How to Make It

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

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup whole-milk plain yogurt, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely grated, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup finely chopped seeded cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, cilantro and/or parsley
  • 3 whole-wheat lavash, halved
  • Lettuce leaves & sliced tomato for serving

Tags

Diabetes AppropriateEgg FreeHealthy AgingHeart HealthyHigh-ProteinLow Added SugarsLow SodiumLow-CalorieNut-FreeSoy-Free

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