Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce – A Healthy Middle Eastern Classic

 

Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern favorite that can be easily transformed into a nutritious, wholesome meal. By using lean chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce, this dish delivers bold taste without excess calories or unhealthy fats. It’s perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner and works beautifully for meal prep.

Why Chicken Shawarma Is a Healthy Choice

Traditional shawarma is packed with spices that not only enhance flavor but also provide health benefits. When prepared at home with fresh ingredients, it becomes a protein-rich, heart-healthy meal.

Health benefits include:

• High protein: Supports muscle health and keeps you full longer

• Low in saturated fat: Especially when using skinless chicken breast or thighs

• Rich in antioxidants: Spices like turmeric, paprika, and cumin fight inflammation

• Gut-friendly: Yogurt sauce aids digestion and adds probiotics

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Healthy Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 500 g skinless chicken breast or thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley or mint (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. Let it rest, then slice thinly.

3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
   Mix yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

4. Assemble & Serve:
   Serve chicken with yogurt sauce, fresh salad, whole wheat pita, or over brown rice or quinoa.

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Serving Ideas for a Balanced Meal

• Wrap in whole wheat pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers

• Serve as a shawarma bowl with roasted vegetables and hummus

• Pair with fresh tabbouleh or cucumber salad

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Healthy Cooking Tips

• Choose grilling or baking instead of frying

• Use Greek yogurt for extra protein

• Add vegetables like bell peppers and onions for fiber

• Control salt by relying more on spices