Arabic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Arabic Chicken Shawarma is a juicy, flavorful, and well-seasoned Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken, wrapped in pita bread, and served with garlic sauce. Perfect for a delicious homemade meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 gram boneless chicken thighs or breasts (sliced thin)
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):
- ½ cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
- Pickles (optional)
- Lettuce or cabbage (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a pan or grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Rest & Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Place sliced chicken in pita bread, add pickles, salad, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Wrap & Serve: Roll the wrap tightly and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Cooking over an open flame or grill enhances the smoky flavor.