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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken thighs wrapped in soft pita bread with zesty garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • pita bread or flatbreads for serving
  • fresh vegetables tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce
  • pickles for serving

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop skillet
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Combine minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add chicken thighs and massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. The sauce should have a pourable consistency. If it's too thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Refrigerate until serving time.
  3. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until you see dark brown grill marks with some blackened edges. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips against the grain.
  5. Warm your pita bread briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Assemble by layering sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and pickles on the pita, then drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Fold and serve immediately while everything is warm.

Notes

Marinating overnight yields the most flavorful results. Chicken can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes if grilling is not an option. Store leftover chicken separately from sauce and vegetables for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.