Chicken Shawarma Orzo with Yogurt Sauce

Name: Chicken Shawarma Orzo with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Cumin; 1 tbsp Coriander; 2 tsp Ground Cardamom; 2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 2 tsp Turmeric; 1/2 tsp Cayenne; 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger; 2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (boneless skinless); 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1/2 Red Onion (thinly sliced); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 cup Orzo (uncooked); 2 cups Water (more as needed); 5 oz Spinach Arugula Mix (or all baby spinach ); Fresh Parsley (optional; to serve); 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (I used 0% fat ); 1 clove Garlic (grated; or finely minced); 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp Sumac (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tsp Olive Oil

9 steps

Prep:20minCook:40min

Generously seasoned chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, and garlicky lemony yogurt inspired by chicken shawarma.

Updated at: Sat, 22 Feb 2025 01:30:10 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Moderate

Nutrition per serving

Calories511.9 kcal (26%)

Total Fat25.5 g (36%)

Carbs28.6 g (11%)

Sugars4.4 g (5%)

Protein42.3 g (85%)

Sodium1281.2 mg (64%)

Fiber6.1 g (22%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Instructions

Shawarma Spice Mix

Step 1

Combine all shawarma spice mix ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside to use for the chicken and the orzo.

Chicken

Step 2

In a large ziplock bag, add the chicken thighs, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 3 tbsp (about half) of the shawarma spice mix.

Step 3

Close the bag and massage the ingredients with your hands so everything is evenly distributed. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.

Step 4

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large, high-rimmed sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs in an even layer. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, flip, then cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven. Set aside on a plate.

Yogurt Sauce

Step 5

Mix yogurt sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust as needed. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Orzo

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the same pan used for the chicken over medium heat. Add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the sliced red onions. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water if there is a lot of seasoning stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the onions.

Step 7

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often. Add the uncooked orzo, stir to combine, and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in 2 cups of water and about 1 tbsp of the shawarma spice mix. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the spinach arugula mix.

Step 8

Place the set aside chicken thighs and any juices from the plate on top of the orzo. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

Divide the orzo among bowls to serve. Top each bowl with chicken thighs, a dollop of yogurt sauce, and fresh parsley.

View on Carol Bee Cooks

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