Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal featuring tender, spice-marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection. Served with warm pita bread, fresh sliced vegetables, and a creamy, garlicky sauce, it’s a perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground 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
To Serve
- Pita bread, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Spices and Oil: In a bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture ensuring even coverage.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices and then slice it thinly.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Place the pita bread in the oven to warm slightly, enhancing its softness and flavor.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Place a portion of the sliced chicken onto warmed pita bread.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for a fresh crunch.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the toppings to add moisture and flavor.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the pita bread around the fillings to create a sandwich and enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- To keep chicken extra juicy, marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight if time allows.
- Warm the pita just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain more tender and flavorful.
- Serve with a side of pickles or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
