Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced, marinated chicken cooked to juicy perfection. Served with a creamy garlic sauce, it’s ideal for pita wraps or plated meals and easy to prepare on the stovetop or grill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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
Substitutions:
- Marinated mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option
- Greek yogurt instead of olive oil for a creamier texture
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 black pepper. Mix thoroughly to form the marinade. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice browning on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the preheated grill or pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken develops a golden-brown color and is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust garlic or salt levels as preferred to achieve the desired flavor intensity.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve in warmed pita bread or on a plate, generously drizzled with garlic sauce. Optionally, add fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad to complement the dish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor.
- Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier than breasts, but either works well.
- The garlic sauce can be thickened or thinned by adjusting the amount of mayonnaise or lemon juice.
- For spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like pickled vegetables, tahini, or fresh herbs for authenticity.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Shawarma Recipe
