Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
