Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Shawarma
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
3 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 -
2 teaspoons ground paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
06 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
08 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
10 -
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Creamy Garlic Sauce
11 -
½ cup Greek yogurt
12 -
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
13 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
14 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
15 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish and Serving
16 -
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
17 -
Warm pita bread or flatbread
18 -
Sliced cucumbers (optional)
19 -
Diced tomatoes (optional)
20 -
Pickled turnips (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Place chicken thighs into a resealable bag or shallow dish and coat them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
02 -
Chop parsley for garnish and prepare vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. Warm pita bread or flatbread before serving. Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet based on your preferred cooking method.
03 -
Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slight charring adds smoky flavor.
04 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway, until cooked through. For crispy edges, broil for the last 2 minutes.
05 -
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 2 additional minutes to retain moisture.
06 -
Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky note. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
07 -
Slice cooked chicken and layer onto warm pita bread with garlic sauce, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled turnips as desired. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
02 -
Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or pan-searing provide versatility based on available equipment.