Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce (Print)

Marinated grilled chicken in warm pita with creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables and tangy pickles.

# Components:

→ For the Chicken Shawarma

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 tablespoons ground cumin
04 - 2 tablespoons ground coriander
05 - 1 tablespoon paprika
06 - 1 tablespoon turmeric
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 1/4 cup olive oil
10 - Juice of 1 lemon
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

12 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
13 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
15 - 2 tablespoons tahini
16 - Salt to taste

→ For Serving

17 - 4 pita breads or flatbreads
18 - Fresh vegetables: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce
19 - Pickles (Middle Eastern-style or dill)

# Directions:

01 - Combine garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
02 - Mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
03 - Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
05 - Place sliced chicken in the center of each pita bread. Top with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, pickles, and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce.
06 - Roll up or fold each wrap and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates layers of warmth that hit different parts of your palate
  • That garlic sauce is the kind of thing youll want to put on everything else in your life
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day, if they last that long
02 -
  • Overnight marinating transforms this from good to absolutely unforgettable
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing is the difference between juicy and dry meat
  • The sauce needs at least thirty minutes in the fridge to reach its full potential
03 -
  • Pound your chicken thighs to even thickness before marinating for more uniform cooking
  • Toast your pita bread directly over a gas flame for thirty seconds on each side
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