Chicken Shawarma With Garlic Sauce (Printable View)
Spiced chicken thighs marinated in Middle Eastern spices, grilled to perfection, and served with homemade creamy garlic sauce.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Chicken Shawarma
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional)
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
10 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1 tsp ground allspice
12 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1.5 tsp kosher salt
14 - 1 tsp black pepper
→ For the Garlic Sauce (Toum)
15 - 6 large garlic cloves
16 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
17 - 1 cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
18 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
19 - 1 tbsp ice water
→ For Serving
20 - 4 pita or flatbreads
21 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
22 - 1 large tomato, sliced
23 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
24 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, yogurt (if using), lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 6 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
03 - Combine garlic cloves and salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely minced. With motor running, very slowly drizzle in oil, alternating with lemon juice and ice water, until thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from chicken. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and charred. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
05 - Warm pitas. Spread each with garlic sauce, top with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, and parsley. Roll or fold and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with spices you probably already have
- That garlic sauce is addictive enough to eat with a spoon, though I recommend the chicken route
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping lunches that actually make you excited for Tuesday
02 -
- The garlic sauce can break if you add the oil too quickly, so patience is literally the secret ingredient
- Room temperature chicken grills more evenly, so let it sit out while you heat everything else up
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside where they belong
03 -
- Charcoal grilling adds an authentic smokiness that electric grills just cannot replicate
- Pickle your own onions quickly with vinegar and salt for that classic tang
- Warm your pitas directly over the grill for a minute per side