Ingredients
Method
Make the marinade
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper until fully blended and fragrant; the spice rub should look evenly distributed.
- Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly, making sure every surface is covered with the aromatic spice mixture.
Marinate
- Cover and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for 4-24 hours, allowing the spices to darken slightly and cling to the meat as it sits.
Grill the chicken
- Preheat the grill for medium-high heat and let it get hot enough to sear, then place the chicken on the grates and grill for 6-7 minutes per side; look for clear char spots and cooked-through centers.
- While grilling, avoid moving the chicken too soon so it develops a browned, charred crust before flipping.
Rest, slice, and serve
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and rest briefly before slicing thinly so the juices stay in the meat rather than running out.
- Warm pita bread, then fill with sliced chicken, add tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles, and finish with a tahini drizzle for classic Middle Eastern flavor.
Notes
Pro tip: If your marinade is very thick, massage it in well so the spices adhere to the chicken; marinating closer to 24 hours boosts depth. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months (freeze sliced or whole, then reheat). For a lighter option, use reduced-fat tahini sauce or a yogurt-tahini mix while keeping the spice marinade the same.
