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Chicken Shawarma (Indian Style) Recipe

Emily Carter
A spiced, yogurt-marinated chicken recipe cooked to charred perfection and stuffed into wraps, drizzled with tangy garlic sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs skinless, for ultimate tenderness
  • 3 tablespoons thick yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • ½ cup thick yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise optional but extra creamy
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic grated or minced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

  • 4 pita breads or thin rotis
  • ½ cup sliced onions
  • ½ cup chopped lettuce
  • ½ cup tomato slices
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, and all dry spices in a bowl.
  • Coat the chicken in this mixture and let it marinate for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Cook to Perfection

  • Heat a grill pan or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
  • Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

  • Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  • Refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

  • Warm the pita or roti on a dry pan for a few seconds.
  • Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce.
  • Add sliced chicken, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.
  • Sprinkle chopped coriander for a fresh kick.
  • Roll tightly, wrap in parchment paper, and serve hot.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 15%
  • Vitamin B6: 12%
  • Potassium: 14%
  • Calcium: 8%
  • Vitamin C: 6%

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier results.
  • Marinate overnight for deep, restaurant-style flavor.
  • Cook on high heat for a perfect char.
  • Toast your pita slightly for a crisp yet soft texture.
  • For extra smoky flavor, place a piece of hot coal in the pan, cover, and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
This Chicken Shawarma (Indian Style) combines Middle Eastern smokiness with bold Indian spices, making it a wrap worth bragging about. Enjoy it fresh, because leftovers? Probably won’t exist.