Name: Savor the Flavor: 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 that brings tender, marinated chicken together with a creamy garlic sauce for a delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to create an irresistible shawarma experience with fresh vegetables and warm pita bread.

A close-up of a large wrap held by a woman's hand, showing three main layers inside. The outer layer is a soft white tortilla with light brown grilled spots. Inside, there is a thick middle layer of dark brown grilled meat with a rough texture, mixed with small chunks of red and green vegetables. The top layer is a creamy white sauce drizzled unevenly, covering parts of the meat and vegetables. The background is blurred with a white marbled texture underneath. 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 the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the chicken into thin strips for serving.
Step 5: To assemble the shawarma, place the sliced chicken onto warm pita bread or flatbreads. Top with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Serve with a side of hummus or tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness.
If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute with peanut butter for a different but tasty sauce variation.

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 microwave before serving. Keep the sauce chilled and stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge.

How to Serve

A grilled flatbread wrap folded around several layers, starting with a base of green lettuce leaves, topped with bright red tomato slices on one side, followed by a generous pile of golden brown, crispy grilled meat chunks. The wrap is drizzled heavily with a creamy white sauce that spreads over the meat and some parts of the lettuce. The wrap is partly wrapped in white paper, lying on a wooden board with a soft blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken shawarma ahead of time?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight improves the flavor, and you can also prepare the garlic sauce in advance. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if preferred.