Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish known for its fragrant spices and tender meat. This recipe offers a simple way to bring those delicious, aromatic flavors to your home kitchen with an easy garlic sauce to complement the chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (use coriander for a twist)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika can enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander (parsley or omit can be used)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (nutmeg can substitute)
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh preferred, powder in emergencies)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (lime juice is an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Himalayan pink salt is a good substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (fresh ground recommended)
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts (thighs for juiciness, breasts also fine)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add chicken strips to the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for stronger flavor.
- Step 3: Heat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and achieve a perfect sear.
- Step 4: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice into bite-sized pieces showing a juicy, spiced interior.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to make the garlic sauce creamy and flavorful.
- Step 7: Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Add fresh vegetables or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Try smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky note to your shawarma.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce for a healthier, tangier finish.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep garlic sauce separate and refrigerate as well. Reheat chicken gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Avoid overheating to keep it tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
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Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma recipe features juicy marinated chicken cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a flavorful meal, the shawarma can be grilled or cooked on the stovetop, then enjoyed with fresh vegetables or pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika can enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh preferred, powder in emergencies)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (lime juice as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts (thighs for juiciness, breasts are also fine)
Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative)
- Minced Garlic to taste (from above or additional)
- Lemon Juice to taste
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until smooth and fragrant, ensuring all spices are well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Heat cooking surface: Heat a grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and prepare for searing.
- Cook the chicken: Place marinated chicken strips onto the grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
- Rest and slice chicken: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into bite-sized pieces revealing tender, spiced meat inside.
- Make the garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning for a creamy, balanced sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken on pita bread or a plate and generously drizzle with the garlic sauce. Complement the dish with fresh vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, use thighs rather than breasts.
- Marinating overnight will enhance the flavor significantly.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier garlic sauce option.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon juice in the sauce according to your taste preference.
- This recipe works well with either grill or stovetop cooking methods.
- 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, easy chicken recipe, marinated chicken
