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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma is a beloved dish with tender, marinated chicken and bold spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 445
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs Juicy and tender, perfect cut for shawarma.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds a robust depth to the marinated chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin Forms the spice base.
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander Adds vibrancy.
  • 1 tablespoon paprika For a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric Rich in color and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Warm notes that elevate the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for those who like a bit of heat.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Rich and fruity, perfect for marinating.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For an extra punch.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Adds zing to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons tahini Adds depth and a nutty flavor.
  • to taste salt Essential for the creamy sauce.
To Serve
  • to taste pita bread or flatbreads Perfect for wrapping.
  • to taste fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce) Adds crunch and freshness.
  • to taste pickles A tangy contrast.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in this marinade. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread or flatbreads. Top with creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles.

Notes

Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor, so aim for at least a few hours if you can. For added crunch, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. If you prefer a bit of spice, try adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicy sauce on top. You can easily make this recipe with different proteins like beef or lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the marination time and cooking methods according to the protein used.