Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers a delightful blend of warm Middle Eastern spices, juicy grilled chicken thighs, and a rich, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfectly suited for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe combines vibrant flavors with simple preparation for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish & Serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- Optional: sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, pickled turnips
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick. Toss the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the mixture until they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld deeply into the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it by one of three methods: grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or pan-sear in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding to retain juices.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble: Warm your pita bread or flatbread. Layer on sliced or shredded chicken, add any optional vegetables such as cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or pickled turnips for crunch and freshness. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Double the creamy garlic sauce amount to use as a delicious dip or drizzle for other dishes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with your preferred dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Shawarma Recipe, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Easy Shawarma
