Chicken Shawarma
A delightful dish bringing Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen with tender chicken thighs marinated in spices and grilled to perfection.
- Prep Time: 75 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole lemon (juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or mashed)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients blend into a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to create a sizzle when the chicken touches it.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until beautifully charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and lay it over warm pita or flatbread. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and top with fresh herbs. Optionally, add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra crunch.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.