Description
A flavorful and aromatic Chicken Shawarma recipe featuring marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce. This Middle Eastern classic is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal, whether served in pita bread or on a plate with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking and caramelization of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place strips on the grill or pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken achieves a golden brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the cooked chicken shawarma in warm pita bread or on a plate. Top generously with the garlic sauce and complement with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce if desired.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter garlic sauce.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to breasts.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for heat.
- Serve with pickled vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
