Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delicious and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection and served in warm pita breads with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a creamy homemade garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together the mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld and keep it chilled until serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita breads briefly in a toaster or on the grill pan. Lay each pita flat and layer it with sliced grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve: Wrap the pita breads around the fillings tightly and serve immediately while warm, sharing this flavorful and satisfying shawarma meal with your loved ones.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours or overnight, will enhance the flavor even more.
- If you prefer, substitute mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita to adapt to dietary needs.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner, Pita Sandwich
