Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt
Tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, served with a cool herb yogurt sauce that complements the smoky flavors. This Nigerian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 47 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (cubed), 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 47 minutes (35 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Nigerian Shawarma-Style Chicken with Herb Yogurt?
Nigerian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
