Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe & Tips

There’s something about the scent of warm spices and marinated meat sizzling away that just makes my heart flutter. I remember the first time I tried chicken shawarma; I was sitting in a bustling little deli in the middle of the city, the air thick with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and cumin. The moment I took my first bite, I felt like I was transported to a faraway market, bustling with vendors and laughter. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that vibrant experience right in my kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to share my beloved Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Budget-friendly with ingredients you might already have on hand.
• Rich, comforting flavors that leave you craving more.
• Healthier than takeout but just as satisfying.
• Customize it with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll be amazed at how simple and wholesome these are:

• For the Chicken:
• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (tender and juicy)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is preferable)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Yogurt Sauce:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (creamy and thick)
• 1 tablespoon tahini (adds a nutty flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced (more garlic goodness)
• Salt to taste
• For Serving:
• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (for crunch)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for that pop of color)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, let’s jump into the fun part, shall we? Here’s how you can make this delicious Chicken Shawarma:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and make sure they’re well-coated in that amazing marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (though overnight is even better!).
2. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that dreamy yogurt sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and maybe a little extra garlic if you’re feeling bold. Cover and refrigerate.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you prefer grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet or grill and cook for 25–30 minutes until they’re cooked through and have a nice char. Flip halfway for even cooking. You can use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest and Slice: Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Slice it thinly against the grain (this will make it more tender when you bite into it!).
5. Assemble the Shawarma: Grab your pita or flatbread and fill it up with those luscious chicken slices. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce, add your fresh veggies, and toss in some herbs. Feel free to pile it up as high as you want!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here’s where you can get creative and make this meal your own!

• Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add cayenne pepper to your chicken marinade or serve with a spicy harissa sauce.
• Veggie Lovers: Add roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to your filling for a delightful twist!
• Substitutions: If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a cashew yogurt for the sauce. It’s creamy and a wonderful alternative!
• Crunch Factor: Try adding pickled red onions or radishes for a tangy crunch!

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love to serve my Chicken Shawarma: Picture this—nestled in warm pita bread, surrounded by vibrant colors from tomatoes and cucumbers, and drizzled with that creamy yogurt sauce. You could also serve it all on a platter, family-style, letting everyone customize their own shawarma. Maybe add a nice side salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or some crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of refreshing mint lemonade would pair beautifully!

Storage Tips

Oh, and here’s the best part; this Chicken Shawarma stores beautifully! Here’s how you can keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and yogurt sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out. The yogurt sauce is best served cold, so no need to reheat that!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they might be a tad drier. Make sure not to overcook them, and consider marinating for an extra hour to enhance the flavor!

What can I substitute for tahini?

If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can use a little more yogurt or even some nut or seed butter as a substitute. Sunflower seed butter could be an interesting twist!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a day prior and even prepare the yogurt sauce in advance. Just remember to assemble it right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

No worries! You can use a store-bought shawarma spice blend if you have it, or just jump into the kitchen with what you have. Cooking is about making it your own!

Conclusion

And there you have it, Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce that transports you straight to that bustling deli without leaving your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience all those warm flavors and exciting textures. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below or snap a pic and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe & Tips

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a flavorful Chicken Shawarma recipe paired with creamy Yogurt Sauce. Perfect tips inside for delicious, quick meals. Cook and enjoy today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

3 garlic cloves of minced garlic

1 tablespoon of ground cumin

1 tablespoon of ground paprika

1 teaspoon of ground turmeric

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of ground allspice

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup of plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon of tahini

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 garlic clove of minced garlic

Salt to taste

Pita bread or flatbreads

Fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion

Fresh parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and cook the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet or grill for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Fill pita or flatbread with chicken slices, drizzle yogurt sauce, and add fresh veggies and herbs.

Notes

A flavorful Chicken Shawarma recipe with a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Easy Dinner, Shawarma Recipe