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Chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce delivers all the flavor of your favorite street food right at home. This recipe packs juicy spiced chicken and tangy toppings into warm pita and has become my go—to for a vibrant family dinner night or casual gathering with friends. The creamy garlic sauce never fails to steal the show.
I first tried making shawarma during a busy week as a way to bring some excitement to our dinners. Now we crave this dish for quick lunches or sharing with guests.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs: Give incredible flavor and stay juicy even after grilling. Choose organic or free—range when possible for best taste.
- Garlic: Adds a punchy authentic kick. Fresh is always best here.
- Ground cumin: Provides earthiness and deepens the shawarma flavor. Use whole seeds and grind for extra freshness.
- Ground coriander: Brings brightness and slight citrus notes.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle sweetness and rich color. Opt for smoked paprika if you like a hint of smokiness.
- Turmeric: Gives the signature golden hue and adds a touch of warmth. Look for fresh and vibrant yellow coloring.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: Delivers just the right amount of heat. Adjust for your spice preference.
- Olive oil: Locks in all the flavors and ensures a moist marinade. Use extra virgin for best results.
- Salt and pepper: Round out the flavors.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Greek yogurt: Brings rich tanginess and makes the sauce creamy. Look for full—fat varieties.
- Minced garlic: Is the star of the sauce. Fresh makes a difference.
- Lemon juice (for sauce): Adds freshness and cuts through the richness.
- Tahini: Creates extra silkiness and a nutty depth. Choose tahini with a pourable texture.
- Pita bread or flatbreads: Are the base for your wrap. Look for soft and fresh rounds.
- Fresh vegetables: Like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce add crunch and balance.
- Pickles: Bring a tangy zip that makes each bite pop.
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken thighs in the combined garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice mixture in a large bowl. Make sure every piece is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Overnight marinating gets even deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until you have a smooth well blended sauce. Refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the shawarma.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or stovetop skillet over medium high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface. Cook each piece for about six to seven minutes per side. Let the outside get a nice char and make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken:
- Let the cooked chicken thighs rest off the heat for about five minutes. This keeps them juicy. Slice the chicken into thin pieces across the grain so every bite is tender.
- Assemble Your Shawarma:
- Lay out your pita or flatbread. Add some sliced chicken. Stack on your choice of fresh veggies and pickles. Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately for best results.
I adore the way tahini brings creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce. Sometimes I catch my daughter sneaking spoonfuls before I even get to serve dinner. It always reminds me of my first taste of homemade shawarma in a tiny kitchen with windows wide open on a summer evening.
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making for even tastier leftovers. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a zip top bag and reheat gently in a skillet when ready.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts will work though they may be a little less juicy. You can try beef or lamb for a twist. If you do not have tahini, a spoonful of olive oil will add silkiness to the sauce. Vegans can swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu and use plant based yogurt for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your shawarma wrap with a crisp salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. Double up the pickles if you like extra tang. I love serving this for picnics with lots of extra vegetables for build your own platters.
Cultural and Historical Context
Chicken shawarma has roots across the Levant, tracing back generations as a staple of local street food. The name means turning and refers to the method of stacking meat on a rotating spit which gives it those signature crispy edges. While this version is made on the stovetop or grill, it delivers all the same vibrant flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
Layer in grilled zucchini or bell peppers during summer. For winter, add roasted root vegetables for extra heartiness. In spring, try fresh herbs like mint or parsley for brightness.
This shawarma never fails to impress at any dinner table. Give it a try and savor every bite of vibrant flavor.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the refrigerator yields the most robust flavors.
- → Can chicken breast be used instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast offers a leaner option, though thighs provide more moisture and flavor when grilled.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilling or using a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat gives the chicken a deliciously charred finish.
- → Is the garlic sauce spicy?
No, the garlic sauce is creamy and tangy, with rich garlic flavor. You can adjust the garlic quantity to taste.
- → What vegetables work best for serving?
Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and pickles add freshness and crunch, perfectly complementing the chicken shawarma.
- → Can it be made ahead of time?
You can marinate chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Assemble sandwiches just before serving for best results.