Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This easy and delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe features tender strips of marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. With vibrant Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this dish offers authentic shawarma flavors in just one hour. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gatherings, it’s versatile enough to serve in pita bread or alongside fresh salads and pickled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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, 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 up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the heated grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic if desired for an extra kick.
- Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Complement with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use marinated mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for olive oil in the marinade to achieve a creamier texture.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor significantly.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Serve with warm pita bread and accompaniments like pickled turnips, cucumbers, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Easy Shawarma Recipe, Homemade Shawarma, Garlic Yogurt Sauce
