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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Enjoy the succulent flavors of marinated chicken shawarma topped with a creamy garlic sauce, served on pita bread with fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs Opt for organic for better flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional; adds mild spice.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 juice of lemon Helps tenderize chicken.
Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt Choose whole-fat for richness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • to taste salt
To Assemble
  • Pita bread or flatbreads
  • Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
  • Pickles

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and let this marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Stir until it reaches a smooth consistency and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  2. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Serving
  1. To serve, place sliced chicken onto pita or flatbread, top with fresh vegetables and pickles, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a healthier option, consider using whole grains and adding various colorful vegetables. This dish can be made vegan by substituting chicken with tofu and yogurt with almond yogurt. It's freezer-friendly, and sliced chicken should be cut against the grain for tenderness.