Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Tender marinated chicken pairs perfectly with a creamy, garlicky sauce, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

A white bowl filled with thick slices of grilled chicken that are dark brown with a crispy texture on the outside, layered over a white flatbread base. The chicken pieces are scattered with fresh green parsley leaves. Creamy white sauce with green herb specks is being poured over the chicken from above by a woman's hand, adding a smooth, slightly runny texture. A slice of yellow lemon is blurred in the background on a white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh look. The whole dish looks hearty and richly seasoned. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground paprika
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce:
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
Step 3: Place the marinated chicken in the pan or grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with the garlic sauce. Add fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
Swap mayonnaise in the garlic sauce for Greek yogurt or silken tofu to lighten it up.
Marinate the chicken overnight for a richer and more intense flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving, and stir the sauce before using.

How to Serve

A close-up of a food bowl showing a bottom layer of soft, lightly browned flatbread as the base, topped with a thick layer of crispy, charred grilled chicken pieces with a golden brown color and crispy edges, scattered with bright green parsley leaves. A woman's hand pours a creamy white sauce with black pepper flakes generously over the chicken, creating a glossy texture that contrasts with the meat. There is a small wedge of lemon blurred in the background on a white marbled texture. The whole dish is visually rich with warm brown tones and fresh green accents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. They are leaner but can dry out more easily, so watch cooking time carefully to keep them juicy.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

While 30 minutes is enough to infuse the spices, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will give you the most flavorful and tender chicken.