Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make Middle Eastern classic. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of shawarma spices and olive oil, then grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy garlic sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
- Salt to taste
Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
To Serve
- Pita bread
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, shawarma spice mix, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken thighs thoroughly while achieving a slightly charred, smoky exterior.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the cooked chicken from heat, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps retain juices and results in tender slices. After resting, slice the chicken thinly against the grain for optimal texture.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt or lemon juice to taste as needed.
- Assemble Shawarma: Warm the pita bread gently, then fill each with sliced chicken and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead, though thighs remain juicier.
- If a grill is unavailable, an oven broiler works well to replicate the charred effect.
- Serve with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles for added crunch.
- Shawarma spice mix can be homemade or store-bought, typically containing cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Spice, Pita Bread
