- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, cayenne pepper, and salt).
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char on the edges.
- Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Shawarma:
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a skillet or oven.
- Spread a generous amount of the yogurt-tahini sauce on each piece of bread. Add a portion of the sliced chicken on top.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, chopped lettuce, pickled turnips or pickles, fresh parsley, and sliced red onions.
- Optionally, add a dollop of hummus.
- Serve:
- Roll up the shawarma wraps tightly and serve immediately. You can also serve the chicken shawarma on a plate with the vegetables and sauce on the side, along with some rice or salad.
Tips:
- Marinade Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Cooking Method: If you have a rotisserie attachment for your grill or oven, you can cook the chicken on a vertical rotisserie for a more authentic shawarma experience.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your shawarma with different vegetables and sauces according to your preferences.
Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma, packed with delicious Middle Eastern flavors!