Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

Creating the ultimate Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:

Chicken Shawarma:

• Chicken Thighs or Breast: 2 pounds, boneless and skinless.
• Yogurt: 1 cup, plain Greek yogurt preferred.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for marinating.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
• Spices:
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika.
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric.
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Garlic Cloves: 6, finely minced.
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup.
• Greek Yogurt: ½ cup.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Salt: To taste.

Garnish and Serving:

• Pita Bread or Flatbread: Warmed.
• Vegetables: Thinly sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce.
• Pickles: Optional but recommended for an authentic taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro for garnish.

Substitutions and Additions

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, lamb, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to your preference. Add chili powder for extra heat.
• Sauce Variations: Swap the garlic sauce with tahini or hummus for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or whisk by hand until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.

Cooking Methods

Grilling (Authentic and Smoky)

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on skewers or directly on the grill.
3. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

Baking (Easy and Hands-Off)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a slightly crispy texture.

Pan-Searing (Quick and Flavorful)

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Slice thinly after resting for a few minutes.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Blend or whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more lemon juice for tang or garlic for a stronger flavor.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Assembly and Presentation

1. Lay a piece of warm pita or flatbread on a plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of creamy garlic sauce.
3. Add sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and pickles.
4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Occasions and Pairings

• Weeknight Dinners: Simple to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table.
• Gatherings: Serve shawarma as part of a Mediterranean platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush.
• Meal Prep: Make ahead and assemble wraps or bowls throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas

• Roll the shawarma into wraps for easy handheld meals.
• Serve as a platter with all components arranged for a “build-your-own” experience.
• Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful and Spiced: The perfect balance of bold spices and creamy sauce.
2. Customizable: Easy to adapt for different diets or preferences.
3. Convenient: Multiple cooking methods to fit your schedule.
4. Authentic Taste: Brings Middle Eastern street food flavors to your home kitchen.

Recipe FAQ

Cooking Tips

• Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F.
• Marinate longer for more flavorful and tender chicken.
• Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Troubleshooting

• Chicken too dry? Marinate longer or use chicken thighs for more moisture.
• Sauce too thick? Mix in a bit of water or lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency.
• Lack of flavor? Double-check spice measurements and don’t skimp on marination time.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating and Serving

• Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 2 minutes.
• Refresh the sauce with a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving bold, authentic flavors. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear, the perfectly spiced chicken paired with the creamy garlic sauce will leave you coming back for more.

Description

A homemade version of Middle Eastern street food, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breast
• Greek yogurt
• Spices and olive oil
• Creamy garlic sauce

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices.
2. Cook using your preferred method (grill, bake, or pan-sear).
3. Prepare the creamy garlic sauce.
4. Assemble with pita, vegetables, and sauce.

Notes

• Adjust spices to your liking.
• Experiment with different cooking methods for variety.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~350 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Start your shawarma adventure today and bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!