Description
Super Easy Chicken Shawarma is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that features boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and lemon juice, then baked until golden brown and crispy. Served with a creamy garlic sauce, this flavorful recipe is perfect for pita sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls.
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma Marinade
- 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
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup full fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to a large ziplock bag along with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a greased baking dish to hold the marinated chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the baking dish in a single layer. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the chicken.
- Broil for Crispiness: In the final 1-2 minutes of baking, switch your oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then slice into strips for serving.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, mayonnaise, full fat Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. This sauce will be slightly thin but creamy and flavorful.
- Serve: Garnish the sliced chicken with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken shawarma wrapped in pita bread, over a fresh salad, or atop rice. Drizzle with the garlic sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use full fat Greek yogurt for a richer, thicker garlic sauce.
- Adjust broil time carefully to prevent burning while achieving a crispy texture.
- This recipe works well as a meal prep option as the chicken reheats nicely.
- Serve with fresh vegetables or pickles for a traditional shawarma experience.
