Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and complemented by a rich, tangy garlic sauce. Serve it wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and herbs for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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, and all the spices including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, 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, but for best flavor, marinate overnight to allow the spices to fully infuse into the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill, stovetop pan, or oven to medium-high heat. If using a grill or pan, cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked. If using an oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes until cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly to maintain juiciness.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the tanginess and garlic flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Warm the pita bread to soften it, then spread a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce inside. Layer the thinly sliced chicken on top, and add optional toppings like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Optionally include pickled turnips or pickles for an extra tangy crunch. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor.
- You can use either chicken thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the shawarma.
- If grilling isn’t available, stovetop pan or oven baking are excellent alternatives.
- Serve with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables for an authentic experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Recipe, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Pita Wraps
