Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, oven-baked spiced chicken thighs served with a luscious, tangy garlic sauce. Paired with fresh vegetables and warm pita bread, this recipe is perfect for a savory and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken 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
To Serve
- Pita bread, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a spice mixture.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage for robust flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Make the garlic sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Rest and slice the chicken: After baking, let the chicken 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 briefly to warm it slightly, making it pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the shawarma: Lay a piece of warm pita bread on a plate, spread sliced chicken over it, and top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions to add freshness and crunch.
- Add the sauce: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the toppings, enhancing the shawarma with rich and tangy flavors.
- Wrap and serve: Fold the pita around the fillings to create a wrap, then enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added brightness.
- To keep the pita warm longer, wrap them in foil after warming.
