Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Shawarma recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal ready in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Pita bread or wraps (for serving)
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers for serving)
- 1/4 cup tahini (optional, for garlic sauce)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor penetration.
- Preheat grill or skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step helps retain juices. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for serving in wraps or pita.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: Combine the tahini with any leftover marinade or yogurt from the bowl. Add a touch of lemon juice to improve the consistency and stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and serve: Serve the sliced chicken in warm pita bread or wraps along with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle generously with the garlic tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight significantly enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, a heavy skillet works equally well.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference for the sauce.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt to add extra creaminess.
- For a gluten-free option, serve without pita or use gluten-free wraps.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Garlic Sauce, Pita Wraps, Healthy Chicken Meal
