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chicken-shawarma-with-garlic-sauce-recipe--easy---delicious----k-popkitchen_feature

Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food to your kitchen with this easy chicken shawarma recipe. Tender, perfectly spiced chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce makes for an unforgettable dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Lettuce or shredded cabbage
  • Pickles or pickled turnips

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all spices. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour marinade over them. Massage marinade into chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  2. While chicken marinates, prepare garlic sauce by combining Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped parsley. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet.
  4. Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips to ensure maximum tenderness and authentic shawarma texture.
  5. Warm pita bread briefly on grill or in oven. Spread garlic sauce on each pita, then add sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and pickles. Roll tightly and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Always slice chicken against the grain for tender texture. Excellent for meal prep - stores well for up to 4 days. Can use chicken breasts but thighs are recommended for juiciness.