Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

🖋️ Written by Emma

why make this recipe

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a popular Middle Eastern dish that brings delicious flavors right to your kitchen. It is perfect for gatherings, quick meals, or satisfying family dinners. The tasty marinade makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor, while the garlic sauce adds a creamy touch that complements the dish perfectly. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings to make it your own.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread or wraps, for serving
• Lettuce, tomato, onion, and other toppings (optional)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup garlic sauce

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
4. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into thin pieces.
6. To make the garlic sauce, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic sauce in a small bowl.
7. Serve the chicken in pita bread or wraps, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and garlic sauce.

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Serve Chicken Shawarma in warm pita bread or wraps. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a crunchy texture. Drizzle the homemade garlic sauce generously for added flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner option.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Store any leftover Chicken Shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for the same duration. To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a pan or the microwave before serving again.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• Let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor.
• Make sure your grill or oven is preheated before cooking the chicken for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the wraps for extra taste.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of Chicken Shawarma using grilled or roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also substitute chicken with lamb or beef for different flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: This recipe is not spicy, but you can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some heat if you prefer.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2-3 months for best quality.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

A flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken served in pita bread or wraps with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Pita bread or wraps
• Lettuce, tomato, onion, and other toppings (optional)

For the Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup garlic sauce

Method

 

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
3. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into thin pieces.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic sauce in a small bowl.

Serve

1. Serve the chicken in pita bread or wraps, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and garlic sauce.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor. Make sure your grill or oven is preheated before cooking the chicken for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the wraps for extra taste.