Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
A flavorful chicken shawarma recipe marinated with spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Shawarma
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt Can substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free option.
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
For Serving
- Pita bread Warm pita is recommended.
- Fresh vegetables of choice Cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions recommended.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the flavorful marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the chicken is grilling, mix yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl to prepare your garlic sauce.
Serving
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread, drizzling the garlic sauce over the top and adding in your choice of fresh vegetables.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Adapt toppings to preference.