Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delicious and authentic Middle Eastern experience. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, then baked to perfection and served with a rich, tangy garlic sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Serving
- Pita bread, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant spice blend.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the spice mixture ensuring every piece is well-seasoned.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish and place them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Make Garlic Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken thinly for assembling the shawarma.
- Warm Pita Bread: Place the pita bread in the oven briefly to warm and soften it, making it easier to wrap.
- Assemble Shawarma: Lay a piece of warm pita flat, add a generous portion of sliced chicken on top.
- Add Vegetables: Layer sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions over the chicken for fresh crunch and flavor.
- Top with Sauce: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the toppings to add richness and tang.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the pita around the fillings tightly and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Adjust spice levels to taste by adding more or less paprika and cumin.
- You can add pickles or hot sauce to enhance flavor according to preference.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier sauce.
- Warm pita bread in a skillet if you prefer a slightly crispier texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
