Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
A delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring tender marinated chicken served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for quick dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken thighs Use boneless, skinless thighs for best results.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Serving
- Pita bread or rice
- Fresh vegetables for serving (like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers)
Instructions
Marinade Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create the garlic sauce.
Serving
- Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips.
- Serve in pita bread or over rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Make sure to preheat the grill or grill pan properly for better cooking results. You can also add grilled onions and peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.