This Easy Chicken Shawarma is packed with tasty spices and juicy chicken, all wrapped up in a warm pita. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce makes every bite extra special!
If you ever want to impress friends without spending all day in the kitchen, this dish is your go-to! I love adding some fresh veggies for crunch. Yum! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re vegetarian, try using mushrooms or marinated tofu as a delicious alternative.
Spices: The spice mix is what gives shawarma its distinct taste. If you don’t have cumin or coriander, try using taco seasoning or a bit of curry powder instead to give it a different twist!
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re dairy-free, swap in coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt for a similar texture. You can also add some tahini for added flavor!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken right is key! Ensure your skillet or grill pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Adding the chicken at the right temperature helps sear it well.
- Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This allows even cooking and helps achieve that nice char.
- Look for a golden brown color and internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know when it’s done.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Pickles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. So, plan for around 1 hour total to get everything ready and on the table. It’s an easy and tasty meal that won’t take all day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Add the sliced chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—1 hour is even better to boost the flavor!
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, you can whip up the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until it’s smooth and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once done, cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char around the edges. If you’re cooking a larger batch, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is cooking, lightly warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry pan or in the oven. This just takes a couple of minutes and helps keep everything nice and warm!
5. Assemble:
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to put your wrap together! Place the juicy chicken on the warm pita bread, drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and add your favorite toppings like sliced cucumber, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and pickles if you like.
6. Serve Immediately:
Dig into your delicious Chicken Shawarma wraps right away! It’s a fun meal to share or enjoy solo, and it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative with your toppings! Enjoy your lovely meal! 🌯
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great alternative. Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier. Also, be sure to marinate them for the same amount of time for flavorful results!
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt or even sour cream for a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep your pita bread fresh, store it separately. Reheat the chicken thoroughly on the stove or microwave before serving again.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to cover it well in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
