Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
