Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) Recipe
This easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors in just 60 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features marinated chicken strips cooked to juicy perfection and paired with a creamy, garlicky sauce. The dish is versatile, nutritious, and can be adapted for vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 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 to encourage browning of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the preheated surface. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- 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 for an intense flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Serve the chicken in pita bread or on a plate and drizzle generously with the garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes, ideally overnight, enhances the flavor significantly.
- Use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option with less fat.
- Replace mayonnaise in the sauce with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter, tangier alternative.
- Serve with whole-wheat pita to increase fiber intake.
- Pair with tabbouleh salad or pickled vegetables for authentic side dishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat chicken gently in a pan over low heat to maintain moisture before serving.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Marinade, Weeknight Dinner, Authentic Shawarma
