Ingredients
– 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets (chicken breast or tenderloin can be used)
– 1 large garlic clove, minced
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
– 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for less spice)
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons salt
– Black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 clove garlic, crushed
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Squeeze of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 to 5 Lebanese or pita breads or any soft flatbreads
– Sliced lettuce (cos or iceberg)
– Tomato slices
– Red onion, thinly sliced
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Hot sauce or chili sauce (optional)
Instructions
1-Combine all marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag: 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets, 1 large garlic clove minced, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
2-Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic crushed, 1 teaspoon cumin, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
3-Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, or brush a grill with oil and heat to medium-high.
4-Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until charred, then flip and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until done.
5-Remove the chicken from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6-Serve by slicing the chicken and arranging it with 4 to 5 Lebanese or pita breads, sliced lettuce, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, the yogurt sauce, and optional shredded cheese and hot sauce.
Notes
🍗 Using thigh fillets ensures juiciness and better caramelization; breast can be used if cooked quickly.
🌿 Do not skip ground cardamom—it adds unique piney, citrusy notes.
⏲️ Marinate ahead or freeze chicken in marinade to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 3 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free option (with suitable flatbread)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 1.1g
- Sodium: 918mg
- Fat: 16.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32.9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
