Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

why make this recipe

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful meal with friends and family. This recipe brings together tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies. It’s not only tasty but also easy to make, allowing you to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine right at home.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
• Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, onion), for serving

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
5. While the chicken is cooking, mix minced garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice in a separate bowl to create the garlic sauce.
6. Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
7. Serve chicken in pita bread or flatbreads with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

To serve your Chicken Shawarma, place some sliced chicken into pita bread or flatbreads. Add a generous amount of garlic sauce, and top it with fresh veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. You can also serve it with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

If you have leftovers, you can store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce can also be stored in a separate container. When ready to eat, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave and serve it again in freshly warmed pita bread or flatbreads.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• For more flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat better.
• If you want a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or other spices of your choice.
• You can also grill the chicken instead of using a skillet for an added smoky flavor.

variation

You can easily adapt this recipe with different proteins such as beef or lamb. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, you can use marinated tofu or grilled vegetables instead of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but they may need less cooking time since they cook faster than thighs.
2. What can I substitute for plain yogurt? You can substitute Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt if you are looking for a lighter or lactose-free option.
3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Print Recipe

A delicious and satisfying chicken shawarma dish marinated in aromatic spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
• Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, onion), for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
5. While the chicken is cooking, mix minced garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice in a separate bowl to create the garlic sauce.
6. Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
7. Serve chicken in pita bread or flatbreads with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

Notes

For more flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. You can also use beef or lamb, or a vegetarian option like marinated tofu.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Shawarma, Chicken, Garlic Sauce, Pita, Middle Eastern, Quick Dinner