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Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Kebab with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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A quick and easy chicken shawarma kebab recipe featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs grilled or pan-seared to perfection, served with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Warm pita bread or flatbreads
  • Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
  • Pickled turnips or onions (optional)
  • Fresh lettuce or arugula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well mixed.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Make the garlic sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate.
  4. Prepare grill or skillet: Preheat grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers if using.
  5. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Warm the pita bread briefly on the grill or in a dry pan.
  7. Assemble kebabs: Serve chicken on warmed pita with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh greens, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Add pickled veggies if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; 1-2 hours is ideal. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. If using chicken breasts, cut into larger pieces and watch cooking time closely. Garlic sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to mellow flavors. If no grill is available, bake chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes and broil for 2 minutes to crisp edges. Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, chicken kebab, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern recipe, easy dinner, grilled chicken, creamy garlic sauce

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/flavorful-chicken-shawarma-kebab-recipe-with-creamy-garlic-sauce-easy-and-best/