Chicken Shawarma Tahini Yoghurt Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly blends rich spices and tender chicken, making every bite a burst of deliciousness that feels like a culinary adventure. The creamy tahini yogurt sauce ties everything together so beautifully, I can’t help but crave it in my weekly meal rotation!

I delight in crafting colorful dishes, and my Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Yogurt dressing doesn’t disappoint. Tender chicken thighs marinated with spices like smoky paprika, aromatic cardamom, and rich turmeric take center stage.

This dish is all about bold flavors and vibrant colors. I finish it off with a tahini yogurt sauce that’s not quite a dip and not quite a drizzle but exactly what Chicken Shawarma wants (and deserves).

When serving, you get to make your own little shawarma plates. And they are glorious.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs:
They add richness, protein, and zest.

Garlic:
Boosts taste; provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Greek Yogurt:
Probiotics for gut health in a creamy texture.

Tahini:
Based on sesame; lends a nutty flavor and is loaded with healthy fats.

Ground Coriander:
Citrusy spice with earthy undertones; facilitates digestion.

Olive Oil:
Fat that is heart-healthy and makes flavors pop when cooking.

Lemon Juice:
Imparts a sharp flavor; a superb source of vitamin C.

Smoked Paprika:
Imparts a smoky flavor and a depth that brightens the color of the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
• Warm pita bread, for serving
• Mixed salad vegetables, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

2. Add the marinade to the chicken thighs, making sure the marinade thoroughly covers the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavor to meld.

3. Set the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and giving it a light oiling.

4. Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet that has been made ready.

5. In the preheated oven, bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and caramelized when removed, and it should be turned once halfway through the cooking time.

6. As the chicken bakes, make the tahini yogurt sauce by blending Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, vinegar, cinnamon, and sumac (if using) in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.

7. Modify the tahini yogurt sauce by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then, add enough chopped parsley to make it demurely delightful. Finally, whisk and return to a cool place until ready to serve.

8. When you have finished cooking the chicken, allow it to rest for several minutes and then cut it into strips.

9. Heat the pita bread in either a dry skillet or a microwave.

10. The sliced chicken is served with warm pita bread, tahini yogurt sauce, and mixed salad vegetables, if desired. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowls
2. Measuring spoons
3. Whisk
4. Baking sheet
5. Aluminum foil
6. Basting brush or oil spray
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Oven
10. Refrigerator
11. Skillet or microwave
12. Spoon or spatula

FAQ

• What cut of chicken is best for shawarma?The dish uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which have a rich flavor and are very tender.
• Can I make this recipe with chicken breast instead?It is permissible to use chicken breast, though it may not deliver the exact same juiciness one can expect from using thighs. If chicken breast is your choice, consider marinating it a bit longer.
• What is the role of sumac in this recipe?An optional ingredient that adds a tangy, lemony flavor to the shawarma, sumac enhances the authenticity of this dish.
• How do I serve Chicken Shawarma Tahini Yoghurt?Present it to diners in warm pita bread, alongside a medley of mixed salad vegetables, and you will have a plate worthy of serving in any bistro.
• Can the marinade be prepared in advance?Certainly! The marinade can be made up to 24 hours in advance, and this will result in a more intense flavor in the chicken.
• Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?Recommended for its thick, creamy texture, Greek yogurt is not the only option when a recipe calls for it. Plain yogurt also works well; it is simply a bit less luscious.
• How spicy is the shawarma with cayenne pepper?The shawarma has a moderate heat level due to the cayenne pepper; adjust it to your spice tolerance.

Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper: Substitute with 1/2 tablespoon chili powder for milder heat.
Two tablespoons olive oil: Substitute with two tablespoons avocado oil or sunflower oil.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Substitute with 1 tablespoon regular paprika and a pinch of liquid smoke.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: You can use 1 cup plain sour cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Replace with 1 tablespoon lime juice or apple cider vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

2. Even Cooking Ensure the chicken thighs are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and caramelization. Overcrowding may lead to steaming instead of roasting.

3. Turn During Baking Turning the chicken halfway through the cooking time helps achieve caramelization on both sides, enhancing flavor and texture.

4. Yogurt Sauce Consistency Adjust the consistency of the tahini yogurt sauce by adding a little water if it’s too thick. The sauce should be smooth and pourable.

5. Serve Immediately For the best experience, serve the dish immediately after preparing. The combination of warm chicken and pita with the cool, flavorful sauce is key to the dish’s appeal.