Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs baked to perfection and served with a rich, tangy garlic sauce. Ideal for a satisfying meal, it’s complemented by fresh vegetables and warm pita bread, making it a perfect handheld delight for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Spice Blend: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the spice mixture, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure even seasoning.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Set this aside.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly for serving.
- Warm Pita Bread: Place the pita bread in the oven to warm it up lightly, enhancing its softness and flavor.
- Assemble Shawarma: Lay slices of the baked chicken on each warm pita bread piece.
- Add Vegetables: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for freshness and crunch.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the toppings to add a tangy, rich flavor.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the pita bread around the fillings and enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt if needed, but Greek yogurt yields a thicker sauce.
- Adjust the spices to your preferred heat level by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the pita soft, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds before serving if not warming in the oven.
