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Close-up of golden-brown chicken strips with a visible spice rub and thick white garlic sauce. (Chicken Shawarma Recipe)

Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Authentic Charred Mediterranean Chicken

This Chicken Shawarma Recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a Mediterranean spice rub of cumin and paprika, seared for deep charred edges and served with a thick, glossy white garlic sauce and fresh parsley.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 900g
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 60ml
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice 30ml
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin 5g
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika 5g
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric 2.5g
Serving
  • 1/2 cup Garlic Sauce (Toum) 120ml
  • 1/2 small Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for getting charred edges.
  • 1 Sharp Chef's Knife For slicing thin strips.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken and marinate for 1-6 hours.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until charred.
  3. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Plate on a white ceramic dish, drizzle with garlic sauce, and top with onions and parsley.

Notes

Use a heavy skillet to ensure deep charring.
Always rest the meat before slicing to retain juiciness.