Description
This Chicken Shawarma Pizza combines the bold, spiced flavors of traditional Middle Eastern shawarma with the comforting appeal of pizza. Using pita bread as the base, it’s topped with seasoned chicken, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil for an easy and flavorful meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Base
- 4-6 pita rounds
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons shawarma seasoning (blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
- Fresh basil, chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pita pizzas.
- Oil Pita: Place the pita rounds on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them evenly with olive oil. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the oil so each pita is well coated, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Mix Chicken with Seasoning: In a bowl, toss the cooked chopped chicken with 1-2 teaspoons of shawarma seasoning until the pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful spices.
- Layer Ingredients: Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over each pita, then top with the seasoned chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions if using. Make sure the toppings are spread out evenly for balanced flavor and cooking.
- Add Balsamic and Salt: Drizzle about one teaspoon of balsamic glaze over each pita and sprinkle flaky salt to enhance the flavors and add a touch of tangy sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the pita are crispy and the onions begin to caramelize to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh basil over each one. Serve hot and enjoy this fusion of shawarma and pizza flavors.
Notes
- Shawarma seasoning can be homemade by mixing cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, or store-bought blends can be used.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or shredded for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze to your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute pita bread with gluten-free flatbreads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
