Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use sour cream as a substitute)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is where the magic happens—Mama Lou always said, “Let the flavors whisper to the chicken.”
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. If using a pan, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred in spots. The smell will fill your kitchen with that nostalgic warmth I associate with family dinners.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the creamy garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly. This resting period is key to keeping the meat juicy—something Ouma and I learned the hard way after rushing through one too many meals.
- Serve the sliced chicken shawarma drizzled generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
