Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce 🌯🍗

This homemade chicken shawarma recipe brings the flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen! It’s juicy, spiced to perfection, and served with a succulent garlic sauce that takes it over the top. Perfect for a family meal or a treat for friends!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Assemble

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Fresh toppings: sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and lettuce
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
• Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook the Chicken

• Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes.
• After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

🔥 A grill pan or outdoor grill will give you those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor that is characteristic of shawarma!

Assemble the Shawarma

• Warm the pita or flatbread lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
• Layer the sliced chicken on the bread, followed by your choice of toppings, and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.

🥗 Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add any favorite vegetables or even some spicy jalapeños for an extra kick.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with marinated and grilled veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious plant-based option! 😋
• Spicy: Add some harissa or chili paste to the marinade for a bolder flavor.
• Low-carb: Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps instead of pita for a healthier alternative.
• Meal prep: Pre-marinade the chicken on the weekend and grill it up fresh throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma, bursting with flavor and ready to impress! 🌟