Name: Spiced Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Tahini Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 29 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 2 tablespoons ground coriander; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons tahini; Salt to taste; Pita bread or flatbreads; Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce); Pickles

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Introduction

This flavorful chicken shawarma recipe brings the taste of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and paired with a creamy garlic sauce, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal wrapped in warm pita bread. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s sure to become a favorite.

The image shows a close-up of three grilled quesadilla slices stacked on a dark surface, each with a crispy, golden brown tortilla outer layer. Inside, there are melted yellow cheddar cheese layers mixed with sautéed spinach and pieces of cooked mushrooms, creating a mix of green, brown, and orange colors that contrast with the toasted tortilla. The melted cheese oozes slightly between the layers, making the quesadillas look warm and fresh. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of tahini
Salt to taste
Pita bread or flatbreads
Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
Pickles

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt until smooth. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 3: Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips for serving.
Step 5: Assemble your shawarma by placing sliced chicken onto pita bread or flatbreads. Top with fresh vegetables and pickles, then drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, try cooking the chicken on a charcoal grill.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level or omit it entirely for a milder taste.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier sauce.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the vegetables for extra freshness.
Serve with warm hummus or baba ganoush for a complete Middle Eastern experience.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Fresh pita bread is best served immediately, but you can warm leftovers in a toaster or oven before serving. Fresh vegetables should be kept separate and added just before eating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three folded quesadilla slices stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each quesadilla has a golden-brown toasted exterior with dark grill marks, and inside, you can see melted bright orange cheese combined with sautéed mushrooms and fresh green spinach leaves. The layers inside are thick with melted cheese stretching slightly, while the mushrooms add a soft texture and the spinach adds a fresh, leafy contrast within the warm, toasted tortilla. The lighting highlights the warm colors and textures of the filling and crispy outside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out more easily. Marinating well and not overcooking will help keep them tender.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor, marinating for at least one hour still produces a tasty result if you’re short on time.