This Easy Chicken Shawarma is a tasty treat with tender chicken marinated in spices, all wrapped up in warm pita. It’s delicious and oh-so-satisfying!
And let’s not forget that creamy garlic sauce—it’s the real star here! I could slather it on just about anything. 😂 Enjoy it with fresh veggies for a refreshing crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you prefer, chicken breasts work as well. For a lighter option, try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian take.
Spices: The blend of spices adds great flavor. If you don’t have all of them, cumin and paprika are essential. You can skip the cayenne if you want to reduce the heat.
Greek Yogurt: A must for the creamy garlic sauce! If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free yogurt. It’s still tasty! You can also swap out mayo for more yogurt for a lighter version.
Pita Bread: Traditional pita is great, but you can use naan, flatbreads, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky! First, marinating is key—it makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your skillet or grill pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on it. You want it golden brown and cooked through, with no pink inside.
- If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Pickles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour for marinating (or overnight for the best flavor). Cooking the chicken takes about 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a full meal in about 30 minutes once it’s marinated!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Then drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, mixing everything well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best taste.
3. Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up the garlic sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred. Ensure it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
5. Warm the Pita:
While the chicken is cooking, warm your pita or flatbreads in a separate skillet or in the oven for a few minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious!
6. Assembling Your Shawarma:
To assemble, generously spread some of the creamy garlic sauce on the warm pita. Top it with the cooked chicken, fresh sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped parsley, and pickles if you like. It’s all about your personal tastes here!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Roll up or fold the pita, and there you have it—your Easy Chicken Shawarma is ready to devour! Enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen. The creamy garlic sauce can also be made a day ahead; just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken shawarma and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave.
What Can I Substitute for the Greek Yogurt in the Sauce?
If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, any plain yogurt will work. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt, which will still give you that creamy texture!
