Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
This irresistible Chicken Shawarma recipe features juicy, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric, this dish is bursting with Middle Eastern flavors. Paired with fresh vegetables, pickles, and warm pita bread, it’s a delightful meal perfect for lunch or dinner that offers both comfort and zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 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
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
- Pickles
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless chicken thighs and toss well to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop fully. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Stir until smooth and homogenous. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill or skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through with a nice char. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices. Afterward, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy assembly.
- Assemble Your Shawarma: Lay out pita bread or flatbreads, place the sliced chicken atop, and add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce along with pickles. Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- For the most robust flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Additional lemon wedges or hot sauce can be offered to add extra zing to the dish.
- If grilling is not available, chicken can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Garlic Sauce, Shawarma Recipe, Healthy Shawarma, Greek Yogurt Sauce
