Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with marinated, grilled chicken that’s juicy and aromatic. Served with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce, it makes a perfect wrap or pita filling for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread or wraps (for serving)
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers for serving)
• 1/4 cup tahini (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Step 2: Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Step 3: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Step 4: For the garlic sauce, combine tahini with any leftover marinade or yogurt, adding a touch of lemon juice for a smoother consistency.
5. Step 5: Serve sliced chicken in pita or wraps with fresh vegetables, drizzle generously with garlic sauce, and garnish with parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken longer when possible to deepen the flavor.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result or breasts for a leaner option.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Serve as a DIY wrap station to let everyone customize their own shawarma.

Storage

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. Garlic sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender with this marinade.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 1 hour is sufficient, but overnight marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeper for a tastier result.

Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 86 reviews

This recipe for Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce features tender, marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic tahini sauce. The marinade combines yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices for an authentic and flavorful experience. Perfect for a casual meal or entertaining guests.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Pita bread or wraps
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
• 1/4 cup tahini (optional, for garlic sauce)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
3. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for wrapping.
6. Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix tahini with any leftover marinade or plain yogurt, adding a little lemon juice to adjust the consistency and create a creamy garlic sauce.
7. Assemble the Shawarma: Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread or wraps along with fresh vegetables. Drizzle generously with the garlic tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for longer if possible to deepen the flavor.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• Serve as a DIY wrap station for interactive and customizable dining.
• Adjust garlic and spices to personal taste preferences.
• The garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keywords: chicken shawarma, grilled chicken, Middle Eastern recipe, garlic sauce, tahini, pita wraps