Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
A delightful dish of spiced grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita and topped with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pieces pita bread Warmed
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Slice the Chicken
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing it thinly.
Prepare Pita Bread
- While the chicken cooks, warm your pita bread on the grill for about a minute on each side or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at low heat.
Assemble Your Shawarma
- Take a warm pita, lay down slices of chicken, and pile on your favorite toppings, such as cucumbers and diced tomatoes. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Wrap up your Shawarma, take a big bite, and enjoy every moment!
Notes
For best flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge. You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, or use marinated cauliflower or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Don’t forget to create your own creamy garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice.