Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful and aromatic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection and complemented by a creamy, garlicky sauce. This recipe combines a blend of warm spices with a quick marination process and simple pan or grill cooking, making it a delicious meal ready in just an hour.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 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, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate up to overnight.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking and to promote even browning of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the garlic or seasoning to taste for a richer flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with the garlic sauce. Enhance the dish with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad on the side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
- Greek yogurt can replace olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor deeply.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Marinade, Garlic Sauce Recipe
