Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering. Tender, marinated chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with a tangy, garlicky sauce that brings it all together. Serve it wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Additional Ingredients (Optional):
• Warm pita bread
• Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• Pickled turnips or pickles

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken to the bowl and coat it evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to develop the best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill, stovetop pan, or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until it is golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
5. Step 5: For the creamy garlic sauce, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Warm the pita bread and spread a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce inside. Add sliced chicken and your preferred toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, fresh parsley or cilantro, and pickled turnips or pickles. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try cooking the chicken over charcoal or add smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or adjust to your taste.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• The garlic sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to deepen the flavors.
• Serve with a side of fattoush or tabbouleh salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover sliced chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be heated. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep pita bread from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Can I prepare this dish without a grill?

Absolutely. You can cook the marinated chicken in a stovetop pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe features tender, marinated chicken infused with warm Middle Eastern spices, grilled to perfection and served with a tangy, smooth garlic sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying main dish, it’s complemented by fresh vegetables and warm pita bread for an authentic shawarma experience at home.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Additional Ingredients (Optional):

• Warm pita bread
• Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• Pickled turnips or pickles

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to deepen the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill, stovetop pan, or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until it is golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble and Serve: Warm the pita bread and spread a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce inside. Add sliced chicken and your choice of fresh toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately, optionally adding pickled turnips or pickles for authentic flavor.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• Cayenne pepper is optional and adjustable according to your heat preference.
• If grilling isn’t an option, cooking the chicken on a stovetop pan or baking in the oven works equally well.
• The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables for a complete shawarma wrap experience.

Keywords: chicken shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken, garlic sauce, grilled chicken, shawarma recipe, pita bread, easy chicken recipe