Chicken Shawarma
This chicken shawarma recipe is bursting with bold spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Optional for added heat.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 to taste salt and pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 to taste salt
For Serving
- to taste Pita bread or flatbreads
- to taste Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
- to taste Pickles
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or, for maximum flavor, overnight.
Prepare the Sauce
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Serve
- Serve the sliced chicken on pita or flatbreads, topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Experiment with different proteins or yogurt-based sauces. Consider adding smoked paprika for extra flavor.