Build-Your-Own Chicken Shawarma Pita Bar with Tangy Sauce and Pickled Onions

Set out a sumptuous Mediterranean-style spread that everyone can customize to their liking. Tender, garlicky shawarma-spiced dark meat chicken, fresh tomato-cucumber salad, zingy pickled onions and warm pitas come together with a creamy, tangy sauce for drizzling. Serve it all family style and let each person build their perfect plate.

This build-your-own pita bar is a fun and flexible dinner idea. You can also add extras like falafel or feta for even more variety. The quick-pickled onions add a bright, tangy kick, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special.

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Ingredients

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit PitasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Diced Skinless Dark Meat ChickenView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon YogurtView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Mini CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 tablespoon Shawarma Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 teaspoon Dried OreganoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice half the red onion (use all for 4 servings). Quarter the lemon. Dice the tomato into ½-inch pieces. Trim and dice the mini cucumber.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine sliced onion, ½ teaspoon sugar (1 teaspoon for 4 servings), juice from half the lemon and a large pinch of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 60 seconds. Set aside to pickle, stirring occasionally. In a separate small bowl, combine diced tomato, diced cucumber, half the dried oregano (all for 4 servings) and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. In a third small bowl, combine sour cream, yogurt and half the garlic powder (reserve the rest for the chicken). Season with salt and pepper. Stir in water 1 teaspoon at a time until the sauce reaches a drizzling consistency.
3. Open the package of diced chicken and drain off any excess liquid. Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer; season with half the shawarma spice blend (all for 4 servings), remaining garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
4. Wrap pitas in damp paper towels and microwave until warm and pliable, about 60 seconds. Serve the pickled onion (drained), tomato-cucumber salad, white sauce, chicken, pitas and remaining lemon wedges family style so everyone can build their own plate.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat?

Yes, you can substitute diced chicken breast, but dark meat stays juicier and more tender. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, use less water or add an extra tablespoon of yogurt. For a thinner sauce, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pickled onions, tomato-cucumber salad and sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Cook the chicken just before serving for best texture.