Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
A classic Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken with spices and a rich garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp olive oil Divided for marinade and cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Juice of lemon
Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
For Serving
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads (optional) For serving.
- fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions) (optional) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare garlic sauce by whisking together the Greek yogurt and remaining minced garlic in a small bowl. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and spread it evenly in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is well cooked and lightly browned.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving
- Warm the pita or flatbreads in the skillet briefly if desired. To serve, layer the chicken on the bread and drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Top with fresh vegetables if using.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion, and adjust cayenne to your preference. Serve with fresh salad or pickles for extra contrast in flavor.