Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt recipe offers a delicious and hearty dinner packed with aromatic spices and a creamy, cooling sauce. It’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious meal that tastes like your favorite takeout, made easily at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 0.5-inch strips
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp shawarma spice blend
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 for sauce, 2 for marinade)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4–6 pieces pita bread or wraps
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into 0.5-inch strips. In a large bowl, toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp shawarma spice blend, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (if using), and salt/pepper to taste in a small bowl. Chill until serving so the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Cook chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding) for 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and 165°F (if it looks dry, add 1-2 Tbsp broth or water).
- Warm the Pita: Lightly warm pita bread by toasting in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, microwaving for 15-20 seconds, or heating in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble: Fill warm pita with a generous portion of the cooked chicken, a dollop of the cool garlic yogurt, and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, cucumber, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
To ensure proper browning, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Always ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F but not dry; a meat thermometer is helpful. Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing amazing flavor. For a lighter meal, serve the chicken over greens or cauliflower rice instead of pita. Consider organic chicken and add fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion for a healthy boost.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Yogurt, Weeknight Dinner, Takeout Style, Mediterranean, Family Friendly, Easy, Skillet, Marinade