Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe features tender, spiced chicken thighs baked to perfection and complemented by a rich and tangy garlic sauce. Served with warm pita bread and fresh sliced vegetables, this dish offers a flavorful, Middle Eastern-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
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
Serving
- Pita bread, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful spice mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the spice mixture, ensuring all pieces are evenly seasoned.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and tender.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice it thinly for serving.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Place the pita bread in the oven to warm it up, making it soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Lay a piece of warmed pita bread flat and place sliced chicken on top.
- Add Fresh 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 for added flavor and creaminess.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the pita bread around the fillings securely and serve immediately to enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours before baking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier.
- Adjust the garlic in the sauce according to your preference for intensity.
- Serve with a side of pickles or hummus to enhance the Middle Eastern flavors.
- To keep the pita bread warm, wrap it in foil after heating.
