Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender, flavorful boneless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt, olive oil, and Middle Eastern spices, then grilled to perfection. It’s a versatile dish perfect for serving with pita bread, rice, or salads, complete with optional traditional toppings like garlic sauce and pickled vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill, grill pan, or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking. This will ensure a nice char and even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the hot grill or pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is fully cooked through with a slight char on the outside.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken into strips.
- Serve: Serve the sliced chicken warm alongside pita bread, rice, or salad. Enhance the dish with optional toppings like garlic sauce, hummus, or pickled vegetables for an authentic shawarma experience.
Notes
- You can bake the marinated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a convenient oven alternative.
- Shawarma is excellent for meal prep — store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
