Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Shawarma recipe featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked on the stovetop and served with a creamy garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for wraps, salads, or pita sandwiches, garnished with fresh herbs and pickles for authentic Middle Eastern taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: pickles, lettuce, pita bread or flatbread
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Make Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they are fully cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove from heat, let rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Assemble and Serve: Place sliced chicken into warmed pita bread or flatbreads or serve over a salad. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Add optional pickles and lettuce as desired for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight boosts the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a grill pan for a smoky char or a regular skillet for convenience.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
- Serve with pickled vegetables and fresh greens for an authentic shawarma experience.
- Adjust spices according to taste preference.
