Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce & Pita

Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean
Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

For Serving:

• Warm pita bread or flatbread

• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

• Pickled turnips or cucumbers (optional but authentic)

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices — cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
   Mix well until it forms a smooth, fragrant marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken
   Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, coating each piece thoroughly with the marinade.
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–4 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor absorption.
   The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the spices infuse deep, aromatic warmth.

3. Cook the Chicken

   • Grill method: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

   • Oven method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For a charred finish, broil for the last 2 minutes.

   • Stovetop method: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

   Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.

4. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
   In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
   Optional: stir in dill or parsley for extra freshness. Chill until ready to serve.

5. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
   Warm pita or flatbread on a pan for a few seconds.
   Spread a generous layer of garlic yogurt sauce, add sliced chicken shawarma, and top with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs.
   For authentic street-style flavor, add pickled turnips or cucumbers.
   Roll the pita tightly, slice diagonally, and serve warm.

🥙 Serving Suggestions

• Serve shawarma wraps with roasted potatoes, tabbouleh, or Greek salad.

• Make a Shawarma Bowl: layer rice or couscous, top with chicken, vegetables, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

• For a party platter, slice the shawarma into small pieces and serve with dips like hummus and baba ganoush.

💡 Tips & Variations

• For richer flavor: Marinate overnight — the yogurt and spices work magic over time.

• Spice level: Adjust cayenne to your preference; for a smoky twist, use chipotle powder.

• Vegan version: Replace chicken with tofu or roasted cauliflower, using the same marinade.

• Meal prep: Cooked shawarma lasts up to 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

🇱🇧 Mediterranean Story

Chicken Shawarma is one of the most beloved street foods across the Mediterranean and Middle East — from Lebanon and Turkey to Egypt and Jordan. The term shawarma comes from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “to turn,” referring to the vertical rotisserie traditionally used to roast the meat slowly.

In the U.S., shawarma has evolved into a flavorful and healthy alternative to fast food — served in wraps, bowls, or salads. The magic lies in its marinade — a perfect harmony of warm spices, citrus, and yogurt that infuses each bite with depth and tenderness.

Every mouthful carries the aroma of spice markets, the zest of the Mediterranean sun, and the comfort of street-side grills. Paired with creamy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh pita, Chicken Shawarma is more than a meal — it’s an experience of culture, passion, and flavor. 🌿🔥