Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp tahini (optional, but adds extra richness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: pickles or hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the ChickenIn a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a marinade. Add the chicken thighs and toss them in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic SauceIn a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, tahini (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired. Set aside.
- Step 3: Cook the ChickenHeat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Step 4: Assemble the ShawarmaWarm your pita or flatbreads and then layer the sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and top with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few pickles or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!Serve your Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce immediately, or let everyone build their own wraps. Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a fun weeknight treat.