Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) Recipe
This easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines aromatic spices and a tangy lemon garlic sauce that will satisfy your cravings for bold and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- 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
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 pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken strips and coat them thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the grill or pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Verify doneness with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic amount to your taste preference for a milder or more pungent sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve the chicken warm tucked inside pita bread or on a plate, generously drizzled with garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor depth.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter garlic sauce.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier shawarma, though breasts work equally well.
- Adjust the spices according to your heat preference by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with warm pita bread and fresh salad ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Grilled Chicken, Middle Eastern Recipe, Easy Dinner, Marinated Chicken
