Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s easy to make at home. Marinated chicken cooked to perfection pairs beautifully with a creamy, garlicky sauce, creating a delicious meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the garlic sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Step 2: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and help browning.
3. Step 3: Place the marinated chicken in the pan or grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic amount to your taste if desired.
5. Step 5: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Pair with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy garlic sauce.
• Marinate overnight to enhance the chicken’s flavor and tenderness.
• Serve with whole-wheat pita and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra fiber and freshness.
• Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a pan over low heat until heated through, then drizzle with fresh garlic sauce. You can prepare and refrigerate the garlic sauce separately ahead of time to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but watch the cooking time closely as they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating helps keep them tender and flavorful.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The garlic sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken strips cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Ready in just one hour, it is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, with options to customize for dietary preferences.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the preheated pan or grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more garlic if desired.
5. Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if not already cut. Serve inside pita bread or on a plate, drizzled with garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes; overnight marinating improves flavor and tenderness.
• Use skinless chicken breasts for a lower fat option.
• Swap mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter, tangier sauce.
• Serve with whole-wheat pita and add grilled vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat chicken gently in a pan over low heat before serving.
• Do not overcook chicken to avoid dryness; aim for golden brown exterior and juicy interior.
• Use garlic sauce sparingly to let the spices on the chicken shine through.

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Dinner, Marinated Chicken