Chicken Shawarma with homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce

Chicken Shawarma with homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce

This Chicken Shawarma recipe features tender marinated chicken spiced to perfection, paired with a creamy homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce. Served on lightly toasted flatbreads with fresh vegetables and crispy seasoned fries, it's a deliciously satisfying meal.

Chicken

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

25 min

Servings

4

Chicken Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that combines aromatic spices with juicy, tender chicken for an unforgettable flavor experience. Traditionally, shawarma is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but this recipe adapts those flavors for the stovetop, making it accessible and easy for home cooks. The blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, cardamom, and paprika brings warmth and depth, while marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors beautifully. The homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the rich spices. Combining Greek yoghurt with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon creates a tangy, creamy complement that ties the dish together. This sauce not only enhances the taste but also adds a cooling element that balances the spice. Served with lightly toasted flatbreads and crispy seasoned fries, this meal offers textural variety and satisfying heartiness. It pairs wonderfully with fresh salad ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and onion, and the addition of feta provides a salty, creamy finish. It's perfect for gatherings or a flavorful family dinner, capturing the essence of Middle Eastern street food in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Breast
  • 2 cloves minced Garlic
  • 1 tblsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tblsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tblsp Ground Cardomom
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tblsp Lemon Juice
  • 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • Splash Lemon Juice

Instructions

Begin by slicing the chicken breast into modest, bite-sized strips to ensure even marination and quick cooking. Place these pieces into a sturdy ziplock bag for easy tossing and marinating. Add minced garlic, ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil to the bag. Seal it tightly and use your hands to massage the marinade evenly over the chicken pieces. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours; if you're short on time, a few hours will suffice, but the longer, the more vibrant the flavors. When you're ready to cook, warm a frying pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil. Gently toast one side of your flatbreads until they develop a golden, slightly crispy texture and appealing aroma. Remove the breads and add more oil to lightly coat the pan. Place your fries into an air fryer set at 180°C (356°F) and cook for 15 minutes, shaking occasionally for even crispness. Meanwhile, the pan should be hot and ready. Cook the marinated chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps you achieve a beautiful sear and a rich, caramelized color. Sear the chicken strips for 5-8 minutes per batch, turning as needed, until fully cooked and tender. While the chicken cooks, prepare the garlic herb yoghurt sauce by mixing Greek yoghurt with crushed garlic, finely chopped mint and parsley, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of cumin. Season with salt to your liking. For the fries, blend garlic powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful seasoning mix. Once the fries are done, toss them immediately in this mixture and add salt to taste while they're still hot to ensure the spices cling well. To assemble, spread the garlic herb yoghurt sauce generously over each toasted flatbread. Layer with crisp lettuce, sliced onions, fresh tomatoes, the seasoned fries, succulent chicken strips, crumbled feta, and a little extra sauce on top for added creaminess and zing. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest and most vibrant.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4