Description
This easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delicious, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired meal made with marinated chicken thighs cooked in a skillet and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner that serves 4.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, whisk together mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Place in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it thinly.
- Assemble the Shawarma Wraps: Warm the pita breads gently. Place sliced chicken on each pita, then add shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic sauce to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Wrap each pita around the filling and serve immediately while warm for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor; for even better taste, marinate up to 2 hours if time allows.
- You can substitute mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add pickles or thinly sliced onions to the wraps for extra crunch and tanginess.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated for another meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, easy shawarma recipe, Middle Eastern chicken, pita wraps, marinated chicken, quick dinner, grilled chicken shawarma
