Authentic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (With Toum Garlic Sauce) cooked to perfection, served on a plate - Yumaroma Save Pin

Authentic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (With Toum Garlic Sauce)

Juicy, spiced Middle Eastern chicken shawarma thighs marinated in Lebanese spices, lemon, and olive oil, seared with crispy edges and rolled in pita with garlic Toum.

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 15 min
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy
Calories 420
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Developed to maximize clean whole-food nutrition while packing vibrant taste, this Authentic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (With Toum Garlic Sauce) relies on chicken thighs, lemon juice & olive oil and garlic , to deliver genuine satisfaction. It is quick, nourishing, and ready in 35 min for stress-free meal prep or energizing weeknight dining.

Ingredients

4 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Marinate Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss with chicken thighs. **Marinate for at least 30 minutes** (up to 12 hours).

2

Sear in Cast Iron

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer; **cook for 6 minutes** without moving until charred and crisp.

3

Flip & Finish

Flip thighs; **cook for 5 to 6 minutes** more until cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Transfer to cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes.

4

Slice & Wrap

Thinly slice chicken into ribbons. Spread garlic Toum on warm pita bread, layer chicken, pickled cucumbers, and a few crispy fries; wrap tightly and toast wrap in the skillet for **2 minutes**.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Toasting the wrapped pita sandwich in the chicken pan for 2 minutes seals the wrap and gives the exterior a glorious crunch.
  • Serve with Middle Eastern pickled turnips and a chopped cucumber tomato salad.

1. Verify Safe Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read digital thermometer in the thickest section of poultry to reach exactly 165°F (74°C). Pulling it the moment it hits temperature keeps lean meat juicy and prevents drying out. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Toasting the wrapped pita sandwich in the chicken pan for 2 minutes seals the wrap and gives the exterior a glorious crunch.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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  • What if My Authentic Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (With Toum Garlic Sauce) Vegetables Turn Soggy Instead of Crisp?: Avoid crowding your skillet or roasting pan. Trapped steam makes veggies soggy. Spread them across the pan with space between pieces so moisture evaporates and edges caramelize.
  • How to Deepen Savoriness Without Heavy Salt?: Add a splash of tamari, nutritional yeast, roasted garlic, or smoked paprika. These natural umami boosters satisfy the palate while keeping sodium in check.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Excellent for weekly meal prep! Portion into glass meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled or reheat in a microwave or toaster oven until warm throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Yes! It holds up exceptionally well without wilting or losing flavor over 4–5 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I adjust the macronutrients for low-carb or keto? A: Yes, simply increase the leafy greens or healthy fat portion and scale down high-carb starches.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Step 1 of 4

Marinate Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss with chicken thighs. **Marinate for at least 30 minutes** (up to 12 hours).

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