Shawarma Chicken with Garlic Sauce (Printable)
Marinated, spiced chicken grilled to charred perfection, paired with a fluffy garlic emulsion and fresh pita toppings.
# What you'll need:
→ Chicken and Marinade
01 - 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 3 tablespoons plain yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Garlic Sauce
14 - 5 large garlic cloves
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1 cup neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower
17 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
18 - 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water, as needed
→ To Serve
19 - 4 pita breads or flatbreads
20 - Sliced tomato
21 - Sliced cucumber
22 - Sliced red onion
23 - Fresh parsley or cilantro
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for optimal flavor.
02 - Blend garlic cloves and salt in a food processor until finely minced. With processor running, slowly pour in oil in a thin, steady stream, alternating with lemon juice, until emulsified and fluffy. Add ice water as needed for a creamy texture. Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste.
03 - Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from chicken. Grill or sear chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - Slice chicken and serve in warmed pita or flatbread. Drizzle with garlic sauce and garnish with sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The chicken comes out so tender and juicy, you won't believe it started in your fridge.
- That homemade garlic sauce basically transforms any sandwich or salad into something crave-worthy.
02 -
- Letting the chicken marinate longer makes an unbelievable difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Drizzling the oil ultra-slowly into your garlic sauce is the secret to keeping it creamy instead of splitting into a puddle.
03 -
- If the marinade is too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to help it coat every piece.
- Toast the pitas over a flame for an extra smoky bite—it's a tiny step that levels it all up.