Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- chopped fresh parsley for serving
if desired
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup full fat greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- 1
Add chicken to a large ziplock bag along with all of the ingredients except the chopped fresh parsley. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- 2
When you are ready to cook preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Place chicken in a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown and cooked through. (Mine took about 15 minutes because the chicken was on the thinner side). In the last minute or two of cooking switch the oven to Broil. Cook chicken for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- 3
Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- 4
Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken in a pita or on top of a salad or over rice!
- 5
In a small bowl combine the minced garlic, mayonnaise, greek yogurt and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and combined. The sauce will be on the thinner side. Make sure to use full fat greek yogurt for a thicker garlic sauce.
Chicken Shawarma
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Based on 52 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of the irresistible aroma and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean street food, right in your own kitchen? This super easy Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers tender, spice-laden chicken that bakes to golden perfection, transforming weeknight meals into a culinary adventure.
What makes this Chicken Shawarma truly stand out is the masterful blend of aromatic spices—ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon—that infuse deeply into the chicken thighs during a generous marinating period. Baking the chicken ensures it emerges succulent and juicy with beautifully golden-brown edges, capturing all those rich, savory flavors without needing special equipment.
Prepare for an explosion of flavor with every bite of this Chicken Shawarma. You'll find the chicken incredibly tender, juicy, and fragrant, thanks to the harmonious blend of warm spices brightened by a generous squeeze of lemon juice. The baked texture provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy garlic sauce, creating a balanced and utterly delicious experience that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. The prep time ensures the flavors truly meld, promising a truly memorable dish.
While fantastic on its own, this Chicken Shawarma is incredibly versatile. Serve it nestled in warm pita bread with a fresh salad, or create a vibrant bowl with rice and your favorite roasted vegetables. For an extra layer of freshness and a bright finish, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is always a welcome addition. If you don't have full-fat Greek yogurt for the sauce, a similar amount of sour cream or additional mayonnaise can be used.
This flavorful chicken is perfect for a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice, warm flatbreads, and a simple cucumber tomato salad for a complete and satisfying meal.