Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken thighs spiced to perfection and served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional) adds depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- 1 Pita bread or flatbread
- 1 Sliced tomatoes
- 1 Sliced cucumber
- optional Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt to the mixture and mix well to create a thick marinade.
Marination
- Add the chicken thighs to the mixing bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Creamy Garlic Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if using), salt, and ground black pepper until smooth.
- Set aside to let flavors meld.
Cooking the Chicken
- Once marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken thighs.
- Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Final Steps
- Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm the pita or flatbread in the same pan.
- Assemble the shawarma by laying chicken slices on the warmed bread and topping with tomatoes, cucumbers, and creamy garlic sauce.
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Notes
Marinate longer for better flavor. Consider using tahini for enhanced garlic sauce flavor. Option to grill for smoky taste. Creative garnishes can enhance presentation.