Name: Top 5 Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt

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Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. This recipe combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with a creamy garlic sauce, creating a delicious balance of spices and freshness. Whether served in pita wraps or over rice, it’s sure to become a favorite.

A stack of grilled tofu pieces arranged unevenly in three layers on a white plate, each piece showing a golden-brown charred outside with some black grill marks; thick white creamy sauce with green herb specks is poured generously over the tofu, flowing down the sides and pooling at the plate's bottom; fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding a bright color contrast; the plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft warm lighting highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground coriander
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced (for sauce)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce)
½ teaspoon salt (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, coriander, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat a grill pan or your oven to medium-high heat (about 425°F if using the oven). Grill or roast the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or 25–30 minutes in the oven, flipping once halfway through cooking.
Step 4: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice it into thin strips.
Step 5: To prepare the garlic sauce, mix together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread, rice bowls, or salads, topped generously with the garlic sauce and your choice of fresh toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs rather than breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat. If using breasts, take care not to overcook.
For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade or garlic sauce.
Try adding fresh chopped parsley or pickled vegetables as toppings to enhance texture and flavor.
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be cooked.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several layers of grilled tofu cubes stacked on a white plate. Each tofu cube has a charred, dark brown and golden crust with grill marks, giving a crispy texture. A creamy white sauce with specks of green herbs is drizzled generously over the tofu cubes, running down the sides. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding contrast with their bright color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Overnight marination enhances the flavor even more but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent texture changes.