why make this recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a mix of spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it in pita bread or over rice, whatever you prefer!
how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Pita bread or rice for serving
- Fresh vegetables for serving (like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create the garlic sauce.
- Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips. Serve in pita bread or over rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.
how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
To serve Chicken Shawarma, place the sliced chicken in warm pita bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. Finally, drizzle the garlic sauce on top for added flavor. Enjoy it warm for the best taste!
how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve made extra garlic sauce, that can be stored separately in the fridge for a few days as well.
tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Make sure to preheat the grill or grill pan properly for better cooking results.
- You can also add grilled onions and peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
variation
Feel free to try this recipe with different proteins like beef or lamb, or make it vegetarian by using grilled eggplant or mushrooms instead of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Shawarma in the oven?
Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
2. Is Chicken Shawarma spicy?
No, this recipe is not very spicy, but you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder if you like some heat.
3. Can I freeze leftover Chicken Shawarma?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure to pack it in an airtight container, and it should stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken thighs Use boneless, skinless thighs for best results.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Serving
- Pita bread or rice
- Fresh vegetables for serving (like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers)
Instructions
Marinade Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create the garlic sauce.
Serving
- Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips.
- Serve in pita bread or over rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.