Description
A flavorful and juicy Chicken Shawarma recipe marinated with warm spices and cooked to perfection on the stovetop. Served with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables wrapped in pita bread, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the sliced chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, stirring occasionally. Cook each batch for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly charred for that authentic shawarma flavor.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well blended. Adjust salt to taste.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Gently warm pita or flatbread to make it pliable and ready for assembling the shawarma wraps.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Layer the cooked chicken on the warmed pita bread. Add fresh sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red onions if using. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Roll or fold the pita and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may be less juicy.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a bowl-style meal, serve the chicken shawarma with rice or roasted vegetables instead of bread.
