Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe brings authentic Middle Eastern flavor to your kitchen — featuring marinated, spiced chicken cooked to perfection and served with creamy garlic sauce in pita bread or over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- For Garlic Sauce (Toum): 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste
- To Serve: Pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, salt, cayenne, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt to create the marinade.
- Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor).
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- To make the garlic sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble shawarma wraps by layering lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced chicken on pita bread. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and wrap tightly.
- Alternatively, serve the chicken over rice with a side of garlic sauce and pickled vegetables.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal or roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.
- You can replace mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Perfect for meal prep — enjoy in wraps, bowls, or salads throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern