introduction
Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that features marinated chicken cooked to perfection. With its juicy meat and warm spices, it’s sure to satisfy any craving. Adding a creamy garlic sauce elevates this dish to new heights, making it a favorite for dinners, lunches, or casual gatherings.
why make this recipe
This chicken shawarma recipe is irresistible for several reasons. First, it combines tender, flavorful chicken with a fragrant blend of spices. Second, the creamy garlic sauce adds a delicious richness that complements the grilled meat perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss.
how to make Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole lemon (juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or mashed)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Warm pita or flatbread (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to create a fragrant marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak in those wonderful flavors.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Season with salt to taste.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Serve it on warm pita or flatbread, drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce and topped with fresh herbs. Optionally, add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra crunch.
how to serve Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This chicken shawarma can be served in several ways. Traditionally, it is placed on warm pita bread or flatbreads. You can also create a shawarma bowl by serving the chicken on rice or a bed of greens. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that creamy garlic sauce on top.
how to store Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the creamy garlic sauce can last about a week. Reheat the chicken on a skillet or microwave before serving.
tips to make Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying it out.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. You can add more paprika or cumin for a spicier flavor.
variation (if any)
You can easily adapt this recipe using different meats, like beef or lamb. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try marinating and grilling portobello mushrooms or tofu with the same spices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Q: Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
A: Chicken shawarma is delightful with sides like hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast.
Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A tasty Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole lemon (juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or mashed)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Warm pita or flatbread (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Mix together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create a fragrant marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak in those wonderful flavors.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Serve it on warm pita or flatbread, drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce and topped with fresh herbs. Optionally, add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra crunch.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
