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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

5 from 26 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern classic that’s easy to prepare at home. Tender marinated chicken, infused with warm spices and grilled to perfection, is complemented by a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for wraps, plates, or salads, this dish delivers a delicious and aromatic meal ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Shawarma:

  • 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • 1 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 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 create the marinade. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to overnight to develop deeper flavors.
  2. Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. To prevent sticking and encourage a nice sear, add a few drops of olive oil to the cooking surface.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the heated grill or pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra garlic if desired for a more pronounced flavor.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if needed. Serve the chicken drizzled with garlic sauce in warm pita bread or on a serving plate. Complement with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors profoundly.
  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result; breasts work well for a leaner option.
  • The garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce to cater to your taste preference.
  • This recipe can be served as a wrap, over rice, or in a salad bowl for versatility.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Shawarma, Homemade Shawarma