Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers an easy and authentic way to enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food at home. Featuring marinated chicken seasoned with warm spices and paired with a creamy garlic sauce, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 60 minutes, this recipe balances bold flavors with simple preparation for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
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 create the marinade. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to the surface to prevent sticking and enhance browning of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the preheated grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and 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 seasoning as desired, adding more garlic for extra pungency.
- Assemble and Serve: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if needed. Serve the chicken on pita bread or a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Complement with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances tenderness and flavor—overnight is ideal.
- Use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; aim for a golden crust with juicy interior.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat chicken gently in a pan over low heat before serving again.
- Whole-wheat pita adds nutritional fiber and texture contrast.
- Pair with grilled vegetables or a refreshing tabbouleh salad for added vitamins.
- The garlic sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance to deepen the flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Shawarma Recipe
