If you’re looking to bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen, this Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is a must-try! Imagine juicy, spiced chicken thighs that are perfectly seared and paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce that adds the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Served over rice, in a pita, or with a salad, this dish is full of bold flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

This recipe is like a flavor-packed trip to a bustling street food market, without having to leave your home. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or baking the chicken, this shawarma recipe is easy to customize and perfect for meal prep. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to for when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

This dish is the ultimate combination of savory, spiced chicken and creamy yogurt sauce. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: You can serve it in so many ways over rice, in a pita wrap, in a salad, or with a side of roasted veggies. The options are endless!

Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are not only affordable, but they’re also super flavorful, making this dish a wallet-friendly choice for a weeknight dinner.

Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and a short cook time, this recipe comes together fast. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable: Adjust the spices to your taste, add more veggies, or even switch up the protein—this dish is super flexible!

Crowd-Pleasing: Chicken Shawarma has a universal appeal spicy, savory, creamy, and just downright delicious. It’s always a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients in Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

This recipe uses fresh, aromatic ingredients that create the signature shawarma flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, these thighs absorb all the delicious spices and stay moist when cooked.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a savory, aromatic base to the marinade and sauce.

Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh tang and helps tenderize the chicken.

Olive Oil: Helps bring all the spices together and keeps the chicken juicy.

Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s essential in shawarma seasoning.

Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.

Coriander: Light and citrusy, coriander adds a fresh note to the marinade.

Cinnamon: A tiny touch of cinnamon gives the shawarma that authentic, slightly sweet flavor.

Turmeric: Brings a beautiful golden color and an earthy flavor to the chicken.

Ground Ginger: A touch of warmth and spice to balance out the flavors.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

Greek Yogurt: The base for the creamy, tangy sauce that complements the spiced chicken.

Tahini (Optional): Adds richness and a slight nuttiness to the yogurt sauce.

Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of freshness and color.

Cucumber and Mint (Optional): For added freshness in the yogurt sauce or as a garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to create this delicious, flavor-packed Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, and cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken for that smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. For extra freshness, you can stir in some finely chopped cucumber and mint.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken shawarma over rice, in pita bread, or alongside a salad. Drizzle the creamy yogurt sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add pickled onions or roasted veggies for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 calories
(Note: approximate values may vary based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

– Serve in a pita or flatbread with the yogurt sauce, some crisp lettuce, and pickled onions for a classic wrap.
– For a low-carb option, serve it over a bed of rice or couscous with roasted veggies on the side.
– Add a side of roasted potatoes or a Greek salad to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Chicken Shawarma even better:

– Marinate the chicken for as long as possible to infuse the flavors into the meat. Overnight is ideal!
– If you don’t have boneless thighs, you can use chicken breasts—just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
– Grill the chicken for an extra smoky flavor.
– Add a drizzle of olive oil to the yogurt sauce for extra creaminess.
– If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a bit of harissa or cayenne pepper to the yogurt sauce for a nice kick.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.

2 Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before and store the yogurt sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

3 Can I freeze the chicken shawarma?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

4 How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the yogurt sauce if you like more heat.

5 Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas, and use a plant-based yogurt for the sauce.

6 Can I skip the tahini in the yogurt sauce?
Yes, tahini adds a creamy richness, but you can leave it out if you don’t have it or prefer a lighter sauce.

7 How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

8 Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

9 Can I add other toppings to the shawarma?
Yes! You can top it with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, onions, or even some roasted peppers for added flavor.

10 Can I serve this dish with rice?
Definitely! Rice, couscous, or even quinoa work perfectly as a base for this dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is the perfect way to bring bold, delicious flavors to your dinner table. With its tender, spiced chicken and creamy yogurt sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you serve it in a pita, over rice, or with a side of veggies, this dish is as versatile as it is tasty. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again! Enjoy!

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