Name: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 3 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 tbsp tahini for a nutty twist; Warm pita or flatbread; Sliced cucumbers; Chopped lettuce; Tomato slices; Pickled red onions or turnips; Fresh parsley or mint; Lemon wedges

Description

Tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm flatbread and drizzled with a luscious garlic sauce—Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate homemade street food experience. This version is oven-baked or pan-seared for convenience and loaded with Middle Eastern flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a fun DIY wrap night.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tbsp plain yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp tahini for a nutty twist

For Assembly:

Warm pita or flatbread
Sliced cucumbers
Chopped lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickled red onions or turnips
Fresh parsley or mint
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices.
Add the chicken and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Oven Method:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Place marinated chicken on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
Stovetop Method:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and browned.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken
Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes.
Slice thinly against the grain for tender, shawarma-style pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
Lay out warm pita or flatbread.
Top with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.
Add pickled onions or herbs for extra zing.
Wrap and serve immediately.

Notes

Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and soak up flavor better than breasts.
Marinate Longer – Overnight marinating creates deeper, richer taste.
Don’t Skip the Sauce – The creamy garlic sauce balances the spice perfectly.
Customize Toppings – Add olives, feta, or even a splash of hot sauce.
Make It a Bowl – Skip the wrap and serve over rice or salad greens.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired