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Delicious chicken shawarma served with creamy garlic sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken shawarma dish served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for warm pita and fresh veggies.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 470

Ingredients
  

For the chicken shawarma
  • 4 pieces 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) Use affordable options for experimentation.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For serving
  • 4 pieces Pita bread or flatbread Warm for better serving.
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional) Adds freshness.

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  2. Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt. Mix well to create the marinade.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Set aside the sauce.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  4. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Serve
  1. Warm the pita bread or flatbread.
  2. Layer the sliced chicken on the bread, then add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh parsley.
  3. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and serve immediately.
  4. For extra char, finish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce will mellow in flavor over time. For kids, tone down the spices if necessary.