Name: Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of ground cumin; 2 tablespoons of ground coriander; 1 tablespoon of paprika; 1 tablespoon of turmeric; 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional); 1/4 cup of olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 2 tablespoons of tahini; Salt to taste; Pita bread or flatbreads; Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce); Pickles

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Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring tender, spiced chicken served with fresh vegetables and creamy garlic sauce. This recipe brings the rich, aromatic spices and vibrant sauce right to your home kitchen for an irresistible meal.

A close-up of a wrapped burrito held by a woman's hand. The burrito has a soft, slightly toasted white tortilla as the outer layer. Inside, there are several layers starting with a base of cooked, browned meat pieces that look juicy and tender. Mixed in are orange and green roasted bell pepper chunks, adding bright colors and texture. On top, a generous drizzle of creamy white sauce covers the ingredients, some sauce dripping down the side. The burrito is shown against a softly blurred background with warm tones and a white marbled table surface faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves of garlic, minced (for sauce)
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of tahini
Salt to taste (for sauce)
Pita bread or flatbreads
Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
Pickles

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips for serving.
Step 5: Assemble the shawarma by placing sliced chicken onto pita or flatbread. Top with fresh vegetables and pickles, then drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, more complex flavors.
For extra zing, serve with lemon wedges or a dash of hot sauce.
If grilling is not available, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying it out. The sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden board with a white round tortilla at the center bottom, topped with a layer of grilled chicken slices that are golden brown with char marks. Above the tortilla and chicken, there is a small bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes mixed with green herbs. To the left of the tomatoes, there are sliced cucumber rounds arranged in a neat pile with light green skin and pale interiors. To the right side of the chicken, there is a thick green layer of chopped fresh cilantro that spreads out. Below the cilantro, there are small piles of chopped red onion, yellow and orange bell peppers, and more cilantro. At the top right corner, there are two small white bowls, one filled with a creamy white sauce speckled with herbs, and the other with a bright red chunky sauce. The scene is set on a dark wooden surface changed to a white marbled texture for the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may be less juicy. To keep it tender, marinate well and avoid overcooking.

Is there a substitute for tahini in the garlic sauce?

If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute with a small amount of smooth peanut butter or omit it altogether, though tahini adds a distinctive nutty flavor.