Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced red onions
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Season: Add salt to taste. Adjust seasoning or consistency with more lemon juice or yogurt if needed.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and charred. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
- Rest and Slice: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the Bread: Heat pita or flatbreads briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread garlic sauce on the bread, then add sliced chicken. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onions, and pickles if desired.
- Roll or Fold: Roll or fold the bread around the fillings.
5. Serve:
- Serve immediately with extra garlic sauce on the side.
