Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste

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Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe offers tender, spiced chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce that enhances every bite. It’s easier to make than you think and ready in just about an hour.

The dish shows a white, soft flatbread base filled with several layers of grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with a crispy texture, placed closely together with charred edges visible. Sprinkled over the chicken is fresh green chopped parsley, adding a fresh look and color contrast. On top, a creamy white sauce with visible black specks is being poured by a woman's hand from above, flowing smoothly over the chicken. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that hints at a lemon wedge on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
Step 3: Place the marinated chicken in the preheated pan or grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste, adding more garlic if desired.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve inside pita bread or on a plate, drizzled with garlic sauce. Pair with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
Swap mayonnaise in the garlic sauce for Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying out. The garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A pita wrap filled with three main layers: the base layer consists of grilled chicken pieces that are brown and slightly charred, providing a textured, meaty appearance; on top of the chicken, there is a white creamy sauce drizzled generously, creating smooth, flowing contrasts; beside the chicken and sauce, fresh vegetable pieces like green cucumber slices, chopped red tomatoes, and chopped leafy greens add vibrant colors and a crisp texture; the pita bread is light beige, thick, soft, and slightly browned, folded around the filling to hold everything together; the wrap is placed on a wooden board, with a blurred white marbled texture background, and a woman's hand is gently holding it from behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes for a good flavor boost, but marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderness significantly.