Name: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt (For tenderness); 3 tablespoons lemon juice (For brightness); 4 cloves minced garlic (For strong flavor); 3 tablespoons olive oil (For richness and moisture); 1 teaspoon salt (To taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper (To taste); 1 teaspoon ground cumin (For warm earthiness); 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (For color and depth); 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander (For warm earthiness); 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric (For golden hue); 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon (For subtle cozy note); 0.25 teaspoon allspice (For Mediterranean aroma); pinch cayenne pepper (Optional, for heat); 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs (For juiciness); 4 cloves garlic (For flavor); 0.25 teaspoon salt (To taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (To taste); 0.25 cup neutral oil (For consistency); 0.25 cup Greek yogurt (For creaminess)

Description

A simple and delicious take on chicken shawarma, featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs served with a creamy garlic sauce that enhances its bold flavors.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 cup plain whole milk yogurt (For tenderness)
3 tablespoons lemon juice (For brightness)
4 cloves minced garlic (For strong flavor)
3 tablespoons olive oil (For richness and moisture)
1 teaspoon salt (To taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (To taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (For warm earthiness)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (For color and depth)
0.5 teaspoon ground coriander (For warm earthiness)
0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric (For golden hue)
0.25 teaspoon cinnamon (For subtle cozy note)
0.25 teaspoon allspice (For Mediterranean aroma)
pinch cayenne pepper (Optional, for heat)

Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs (For juiciness)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce (Toum-Style)

4 cloves garlic (For flavor)
0.25 teaspoon salt (To taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (To taste)
0.25 cup neutral oil (For consistency)
0.25 cup Greek yogurt (For creaminess)

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Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and the spice blend in a bowl.
Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until fully coated.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grind the garlic and salt into a smooth paste.
Whisk in lemon juice, then slowly drizzle in oil while whisking until thickened.
Fold in Greek yogurt until creamy and adjust with ice water if too thick.
Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting, or use a skillet over medium-high heat.
For oven-roasting, spread the chicken on a lined sheet pan and roast for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once.
For skillet-searing, cook chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side until browned.
Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve with pita, fresh veggies, and creamy garlic sauce. For a low-carb option, serve over salad instead.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern