Name: 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

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Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s easy to prepare at home. Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, garlicky sauce for a satisfying meal. Whether served in pita or over a salad, it’s a delicious choice for any day of the week.

The image shows a stuffed pita bread held and filled with several layers of grilled chicken strips that are golden brown with charred marks. The chicken is layered on top of what looks like chopped green herbs and small bits of vegetables, all inside the white pita. Above the chicken, a woman's hand pours a creamy sauce flecked with black specks that drapes over the chicken pieces, creating a shiny texture. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface with a blurred background, and a lemon wedge is visible in the part of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
For the Garlic Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon 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, then add the chicken strips. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for more flavor.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and to help with browning.
Step 3: Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. 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 the garlic amount if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, 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 as desired.

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 for Greek yogurt or silken tofu in the garlic sauce for a lighter version.
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pita wrap held by a woman's hand at the back, filled with a layer of grilled, golden brown chicken pieces with a slightly crispy texture, topped with a white creamy sauce that is drizzling down the sides. Inside the pita, there is a fresh layer of chopped red tomatoes, sliced green cucumbers, and leafy green herbs adding a pop of color. The soft, light beige pita bread is slightly puffed and folded around the filling, placed on a wooden board with a soft white marbled background. 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 can be used. They cook slightly faster and are leaner, but thighs often provide juicier results due to higher fat content.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. For the best taste, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.