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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken strips cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce. This recipe offers a delicious balance of aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, combined with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade. Perfect for grilling or pan-cooking, this shawarma is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying meal paired with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

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

  1. 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 thoroughly to create the marinade. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  2. Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface with a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  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. Taste and adjust the garlic or seasoning as desired to enhance flavor.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve in warm pita bread or on a plate, generously drizzled with the garlic sauce. Accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian variation, substitute chicken with marinated mushrooms or tofu.
  • You can use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil in the marinade for a creamier texture.
  • Swap mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter, healthier version.
  • Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors, but at least 30 minutes is sufficient for a tasty result.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Shawarma Recipe, Homemade Shawarma, Garlic Mayonnaise Sauce

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/chicken-shawarma-with-garlic-sauce-recipe/