Description
Bring the vibrant, smoky flavors of authentic Levantine street food into your kitchen with this easy, homemade Chicken Shawarma. Featuring tender, spice-marinated chicken seared to golden perfection and served with a creamy, pungent garlic sauce, this recipe delivers a satisfying balance of warm, earthy spices and sharp, refreshing acidity. It is a perfect, time-saving solution for busy weeknights that provides restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken thighs, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons garlic paste (or finely minced garlic)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce)
4-6 pita bread rounds
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated; let rest for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the garlic sauce by combining mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic paste, and lemon juice until smooth; refrigerate until serving.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
Add the chicken in batches and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Warm the pita bread briefly in the same pan or an oven.
Assemble by spreading a generous amount of garlic sauce on the pita, topping with cooked chicken, and folding as a wrap.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you prefer a lighter garlic sauce, swap mayonnaise for full-fat Greek yogurt. Leftover chicken stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be repurposed into grain bowls or fresh garden salads.
- Prep Time: 35
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Meals
- Method: Stovetop Searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern