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chicken shawarma yogurt marinade recipe

Chicken Shawarma Yogurt Marinade

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A creamy yogurt marinade infused with traditional shawarma spices, perfect for tenderizing and flavoring chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 grill or oven for cooking

Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
  • Mix in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
  • Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Cook the Chicken

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

Serving and Storage

  • Slice the chicken and serve with pita bread, salad, or rice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Allow chicken to marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute Greek yogurt with plain yogurt if desired.
How to Serve: Serve with pita, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate chicken in advance and cook when ready.
Keyword chicken shawarma yogurt marinade, shawarma spice blend, Yogurt Marinated Chicken