Go Back

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita with a creamy garlic sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless Use for easy preparation
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving
  • Pita bread For serving
  • Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions For garnish
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil and lemon juice to create a marinade. Mix well and then add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (or up to overnight for enhanced flavor).
Preheat the Oven/Grill
  1. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Oven Method: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Optionally, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.
  2. Grilling Method: Grill the chicken on each side for about 6-7 minutes until fully cooked and beautifully charred.
Slice the Chicken
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Warm the pita bread if desired. Fill each pita with sliced chicken and top with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle with creamy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Notes

For a lighter option, chicken breasts or shredded grilled vegetables can be used for a vegetarian version. Ensure chicken is not overcrowded when cooking and allow it to rest before slicing for juiciness.