Description
A comforting Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings, infused with aromatic spices and served with warm pita.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (or a dairy-free yogurt alternative)
- 1 whole head garlic, cloves peeled (for garlic sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for garlic sauce)
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (sunflower or light olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for garlic sauce)
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (to adjust texture for garlic sauce)
- Optional toppings: Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, chopped parsley, warm pita or flatbread
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, spices, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt in a bowl. Add sliced chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the garlic sauce: In a food processor, pulse peeled garlic and salt until smooth, then stream in oil until emulsion forms. Add lemon juice and water to reach desired texture.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, then cook marinated chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Assemble: Warm pita or flatbreads, spread garlic sauce, add chicken, and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley. Fold and serve immediately.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and use thighs for juiciness. Adjust garlic sauce ingredients based on preference for intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern