Description
This recipe for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings Middle Eastern flavors home. It features tender, spiced chicken thighs served with a rich, tangy garlic sauce, perfect for wraps or bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Optional for Serving:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions
- Pickles or pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Shawarma Wraps: Warm your pita or flatbread. Layer with sliced chicken, fresh veggies, pickles, and drizzle generously with the garlic sauce. Garnish with herbs, wrap, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
- Use lamb instead of chicken for a richer twist.
- The garlic sauce doubles beautifully as a dip for roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Skillet
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per serving, approx.
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g