Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is an easy, flavorful dish you can make at home in just about an hour. Its aromatic spices and creamy garlic sauce deliver authentic Middle Eastern flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests without the hassle of long cooking times.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Step 3: Cook the marinated chicken on the grill or pan for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 4: Prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic level to your taste.
- 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 and accompanied by fresh vegetables or salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu in the garlic sauce for a lighter version.
- Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the dish for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Serve with whole-wheat pita and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat until warm, then drizzle with freshly made garlic sauce before serving. You can prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to three days.
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 carefully as they can dry out faster than thighs. Cooking until just done will keep them tender.
Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The garlic sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator.
PrintChicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe brings the flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen in just about 60 minutes. Featuring marinated chicken strips seasoned with traditional spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce, this dish offers an authentic taste that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The recipe also includes tips for healthier alternatives, vegetarian substitutions, and serving suggestions to customize your meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
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. Mix well. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking and help the chicken brown evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, 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 garlic and seasoning to taste for desired pungency and balance.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest briefly, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate, generously drizzled with garlic sauce, accompanied by fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor; overnight marination yields best results.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use garlic sauce sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance for improved flavor.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
- You may bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Serve with whole-wheat pita and fresh herbs for added nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, easy chicken shawarma, grilled chicken shawarma, healthy shawarma, homemade garlic sauce, quick dinner recipe
