Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe, paired perfectly with a creamy, zesty garlic sauce. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection and served with a rich garlic sauce that enhances every bite. Ready in just one hour, this dish makes for a satisfying meal full of aromatic spices and fresh zest.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
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
Optional Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu
- Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil for a creamier chicken texture
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter garlic sauce
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 to create the marinade. Add the chicken strips and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes; for more intense flavor, marinate up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful browning on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the hot grill or pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust, adding more garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor. Keep the sauce chilled until ready to serve.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve warm either wrapped in pita bread or plated. Drizzle generously with the garlic sauce and complement your meal with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dish.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to 12 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- The garlic sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance its flavors.
- Adjust garlic quantity in the sauce according to personal preference for pungency.
- For a healthier garlic sauce alternative, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
- Serve with accompaniments like pickled turnips, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to round out the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Shawarma, Garlic Sauce Recipe, Spiced Chicken, Healthy Shawarma
