Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A delightful Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken thighs served in pita bread, topped with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful preferred
- 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
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
To Serve
- 4 pieces pita bread or flatbread Or preferred bread
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add in fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and plain yogurt, stirring until you achieve a smooth marinade.
Marinating
- Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight.
Making the Sauce
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if using), salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
Cooking the Chicken
- Cook marinated chicken in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden-brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Assembling the Shawarma
- Warm pita or flatbread until soft and pliable.
- Fill with sliced chicken, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce. Optionally sprinkle with parsley.
Serving
- Serve immediately with additional sides of your choice.
Notes
For a variation, consider adding pickled vegetables or different sauces such as tzatziki or harissa. Store leftovers in airtight containers separately.