Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Experience the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe served with a creamy garlic sauce. Marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection on a grill or stovetop pan, this meal offers tender, juicy chicken strips bursting with aromatic spices. The garlic sauce complements the savory shawarma beautifully, making it a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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 black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips into the marinade and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, marinate up to overnight.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice golden color on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the preheated grill or pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust garlic and salt levels as desired for a more intense flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if needed. Serve the chicken wrapped in pita bread or plated with a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Complement with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or firm tofu.
- You can swap olive oil with Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade texture.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, use Greek yogurt or silken tofu instead of mayonnaise.
- Marinating chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic for the best garlicky punch in the sauce.
- Serve with warm pita bread and accompaniments like pickled turnips or a fresh salad for an authentic experience.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Shawarma Spices, Homemade Shawarma, Easy Shawarma
