If you’ve ever craved the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors of Middle Eastern street food right in your own kitchen, this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Tender strips of marinated chicken, spiced to perfection, charred just right, and topped with a creamy, garlicky sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing feast, this recipe combines simplicity and bold flavors in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in transforming simple chicken into unforgettable shawarma. The blend of warm spices, fresh garlic, and a touch of citrus come together to create a harmony of flavors, while the garlic sauce adds that irresistible creamy finish.
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give extra juiciness, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices stick and locks in moisture during cooking.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds that classic earthy warmth that shawarma is known for.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a lovely color.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Offers a warm, golden hue and unique mild bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a light, citrusy note that brightens the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Surprising in savory dishes, cinnamon adds depth and warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through richness and tenderizes the meat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all those wonderful spices.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the luscious garlic sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (for garlic sauce): For a bold, punchy garlic flavor that’s key to the sauce’s magic.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garlic sauce): Adds freshness and a little zing to the sauce.
- Salt to taste (for garlic sauce): Brings all the flavors in the sauce together perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This spice mix is the heart of your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe — the warm spices create a fragrant, layered flavor that makes every bite special. Add your chicken strips, toss until fully coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting the chicken soak overnight in the spices will deepen the flavor even more, turning this into a truly memorable dish.
Step 2: Preheat Your Pan or Grill
Next, heat your grill or non-stick pan to medium-high. Toss in a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and to help your chicken develop that irresistible golden-brown crust. This step is where the magic begins: the heat caramelizes the marinade and locks in the juicy goodness of the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on your hot surface, cooking 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach about 165°F (75°C) for safe, juicy chicken. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your equipment, but you’ll notice the wonderful aroma and sizzling sounds letting you know everything is coming together beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. The garlic sauce is the soul of this recipe, giving you creamy richness with a bold garlic punch. Taste and adjust by adding more garlic if you’re craving extra zing. This sauce elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this step allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Then slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve the shawarma on warm pita bread or a serving plate, drizzled generously with the garlic sauce. Add fresh veggies, pickled turnips, or a crisp salad to complete this vibrant dish.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key when it comes to garnishing your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe. Brighten things up with chopped parsley or cilantro, and a few slices of crunchy cucumber or tomato. A sprinkle of sumac or a few pickled vegetables adds an exciting tang that complements the rich garlic sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Keep the Middle Eastern vibe flowing by pairing your shawarma with traditional side dishes like tabbouleh, fattoush, or a simple rice pilaf. For something lighter, a fresh cucumber yogurt salad helps cool down the garlicky, spiced chicken, balancing every bite beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz it up for a gathering, try serving your chicken shawarma on a platter with bowls of garlic sauce, pickled veggies, and pita bread so guests can assemble their own wraps. Alternatively, turn this recipe into a festive rice bowl topped with chopped chicken, garlic sauce, tahini drizzle, and a squeeze of lemon for a colorful, satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. When kept properly, leftovers stay delicious and ready to revive for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this indulgent Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe on hand longer, freeze cooked chicken in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture. It’s a fantastic time-saver when you’re craving something tasty on a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through, taking care not to dry it out. Add the garlic sauce fresh after reheating for that creamy punch every time. This method ensures your leftovers taste just as vibrant as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer juicier and more flavorful meat, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts. Just watch your cooking time closely to avoid drying out the breasts.
Is it possible to make the garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or use vegan mayo, and make sure your garlic and lemon juice remain fresh for that signature flavor without any dairy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum, 30 minutes helps infuse the flavors, but marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat even more, making each bite richer and more satisfying.
Can I grill the chicken on an outdoor barbecue?
Definitely. Grilling on an outdoor barbecue adds wonderful smoky notes to the shawarma, elevating the flavors even more. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
What can I serve instead of pita bread?
If you’re avoiding carbs or just want to mix things up, try serving the chicken shawarma over a bed of greens, in lettuce wraps, or with warm flatbreads like naan or lavash for equally tasty results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe at home is one of those experiences that delights every sense, from the sizzling aroma to the burst of flavors on your tongue. It’s approachable enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress your guests. So grab those spices and garlic, and dive into the magic of shawarma. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying and comforting this dish can be!
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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers juicy, marinated chicken strips infused with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect as a flavorful main dish wrapped in pita or served with fresh vegetables and salad, it offers an authentic Middle Eastern taste that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; marinating overnight enhances the flavor greatly.
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and to encourage nice browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken strips on the grill or pan. Cook each side for approximately 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Confirm doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the garlic and salt to your taste preference for a bold or subtle sauce.
- Rest and Slice: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
- Serve: Serve the chicken shawarma slices drizzled generously with the garlic sauce. Enjoy it wrapped in pita bread or plated with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper and more complex flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce according to your preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Chicken thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Serve with pickled turnips or fresh salads to add traditional Middle Eastern accompaniments.
