Name: Grilled Chicken Shawarma Plate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 780 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1 tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Warm pita or flatbread; Cooked basmati or turmeric rice; Pickled onions or turnips; Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryChicken, Main Courses, Meat

A bold and aromatic dish inspired by Middle Eastern street food, this Grilled Chicken Shawarma Plate features tender, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with classic accompaniments like rice or flatbread, garlic yogurt sauce, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs. It's balanced, nutritious, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Yields1 Serving

Prep Time20 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time35 mins

For the Chicken Marinade

780 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground paprika

1 tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, finely grated

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Suggested Sides for the Plate

Warm pita or flatbread

Cooked basmati or turmeric rice

Pickled onions or turnips

Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Mix into a paste.
Add the chicken thighs and toss until fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until charred and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Assemble the Plate

On each plate, arrange sliced chicken alongside rice or bread.
Add salad, pickles, and a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce.
Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro and serve with a lemon wedge.

Tips & Variations

No grill? You can roast the chicken in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 25 minutes or pan-sear it.
Make it spicy: Add harissa or chili flakes to the marinade.
Vegetarian version: Use the same marinade for tofu or cauliflower.
Meal prep friendly: Chicken and sauce keep well for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Ingredients