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recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing chicken thighs garlic yogurt lemon juice cumin paprika turmeric cinnamon olive oil salt pepper cayenne mayonnaise parsley arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a garlic-infused yogurt blend, seasoned with aromatic spices, and cooked to perfection for an authentic shawarma experience at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 lbs 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 8 cloves 8 garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp salt
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste Salt
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl,
  • - Whisk
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Large cast iron skillet or pan
  • Grill (optional)

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
  2. Add the chicken thigh pieces to the bowl and toss them until every piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinade overnight (up to 24 hours).
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
  2. Season with salt to your liking. If you're using fresh herbs, stir them in. Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  2. When the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply golden brown and cooked through. You want to get a nice char on the edges.
  3. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and with grill marks.
Serve
  1. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the prepared garlic yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

Don't rush the marinade: Marinate at least 4 hours for best results. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep moist.
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