Description
Mediterranean magic meets street-food charm in our signature Chicken Shawarma, a culinary journey through aromatic spices and tender grilled meat. Garlic sauce and warm pita bread complete this irresistible dish that brings Middle Eastern flavors directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, zesty citrus, and rich olive oil in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the spice-laden liquid, ensuring every crevice absorbs the intense flavor profile.
- Allow the marinated protein to rest and develop complexity in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, ideally overnight.
- Heat a grill or oven to medium-high temperature, preparing for optimal caramelization and char.
- Grill chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
- Alternatively, roast chicken in a preheated 425°F oven on a lined baking sheet, cooking until edges crisp and meat is thoroughly cooked.
- While chicken transforms, create a silky garlic sauce by blending tangy yogurt, creamy mayonnaise, minced garlic, and bright lemon juice.
- Season the sauce delicately, tasting and adjusting for perfect balance.
- Slice the succulent, spice-infused chicken into elegant strips.
- Assemble by nestling chicken within warm pita bread, layering with crisp vegetables like lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers.
- Generously drizzle the velvety garlic sauce over the assembled shawarma, enhancing each bite with creamy richness.
Notes
- Marinate Overnight: Let the chicken soak in the spices for maximum flavor absorption, transforming ordinary meat into a taste explosion.
- Spice Flexibility: Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing cumin, paprika, and turmeric to match personal heat preferences.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options without compromising the rich Mediterranean taste profile.
- Sauce Storage: Prepare garlic sauce ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg