Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Experience the authentic Middle Eastern flavors of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce in just 60 minutes. This easy, flavorful recipe uses a blend of aromatic spices to marinate tender chicken strips, cooked to juicy perfection on the grill or stovetop, and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, and customizable to suit vegetarian or lighter preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 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, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to the surface to prevent sticking and facilitate browning of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the preheated grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 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 extra garlic if desired for more pungency.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces if needed. Serve the chicken in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; overnight is best for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; aim for a golden brown crust and juicy interior.
- Use garlic sauce sparingly to balance flavors without overpowering the spices.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a pan before serving.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Chicken Marinade, Homemade Shawarma, Authentic Shawarma, Garlic Sauce Recipe
