Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Description:
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful journey to the Middle East. Perfectly spiced, tender chicken wrapped in soft pita bread and topped with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce—easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred.
• Skillet: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble:

• Warm pita or flatbread.
• Layer with sliced chicken and drizzle with garlic sauce.
• Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, or pickled vegetables. Fold and serve.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, more complex flavor.
• Add pickled turnips, sliced red onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest.
• Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breast can be used with careful cooking.
• For a lower-fat sauce, substitute more Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.

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