Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern classic made easy at home. Tender strips of marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce create a delicious meal that pairs wonderfully with pita bread and fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 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, mix olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavors.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken strips on the preheated grill or pan, about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust garlic and seasoning to taste for desired flavor intensity.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu in garlic sauce for a lighter version.
- Marinating chicken overnight will enhance the flavor intensity.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern recipe, grilled chicken, easy shawarma, homemade shawarma, garlic mayonnaise sauce