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Chicken Shawarma Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Garlic Sauce Step by Step

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A flavorful and easy homemade chicken shawarma recipe with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for weeknights or casual dinners. Juicy, tender chicken marinated in warm spices and served with a silky garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (for marinade)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp tahini (optional, for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper if using.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  4. While chicken marinates, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Blend for a smoother sauce if desired. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips against the grain.
  7. Serve sliced chicken on warm pita or flatbread, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley or pickled vegetables.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Use chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Garlic sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, homemade shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, Middle Eastern chicken, easy chicken recipe, marinated chicken, weeknight dinner