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 delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring succulent, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s easy to recreate at home.

A close-up view of a soft, light brown flatbread wrap filled with grilled, dark brown chicken pieces and a green layer of lettuce near the base. There is a layer of chopped red tomatoes on top of the chicken, all covered with a thick, white sauce dripping slightly over the edges. The wrap is partially open, showing the layers inside, resting on a wooden board with a blurred background showing a woman's hand holding something out of focus. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. 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
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of tahini
Salt to taste
Pita bread or flatbreads
Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
Pickles

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: For the creamy garlic sauce, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Step 5: To assemble, place sliced chicken on pita bread or flatbreads. Add fresh vegetables and pickles, then drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh herbal note.
Use a grill pan or broiler if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level in your marinade.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce is best served cold and can be stirred before use.

How to Serve

A round wooden board holds several layers of food arranged neatly; on the bottom left, there is a stack of light beige grilled flatbreads with brown grill marks, next to small pieces of bright green cucumbers cut into cubes, and to their right, a row of golden brown grilled chicken strips with visible char marks, followed by chopped red tomatoes. Above the chicken, there is a pile of light green torn lettuce leaves with a bowl of diced red tomatoes in a white bowl on the top right. To the left of the tomatoes, there are more chopped cucumbers and fresh dark green cilantro leaves. On the far left, a small white bowl filled with creamy white sauce sits near the greens. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. 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 as a leaner alternative, but it may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances the flavor, marinating for at least 1 hour will still impart good taste. Longer marinating times deepen the spice profile.