Zesty Flavor-Packed Chicken Shawarma with Velvety Garlic Sauce Recipe

My latest culinary obsession, this chicken shawarma, packed with vibrant Middle Eastern flavor, has become a weeknight dinner staple.

Warm spices dance across tender marinated meat, creating an aromatic experience that transports you straight to bustling street markets.

Juicy chicken pieces get coated in a bold blend of cumin, paprika, and turmeric for maximum taste impact.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between crispy exterior and succulent interior.

Homemade garlic sauce adds creamy richness that complements the spiced protein brilliantly.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish guarantees applause around your dinner table.

One taste will convince you that restaurant-quality shawarma is totally achievable in your own kitchen.

Chicken Shawarma Savory Versions

• Vegetarian Shawarma Swap: Replace chicken with marinated jackfruit or seitan, using the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps instead of traditional pita, ensuring all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Bowl: Skip the bread and serve chicken over cauliflower rice with roasted vegetables, maintaining the authentic shawarma flavors.
• Spicy Harissa Version: Add harissa paste to the marinade for a fiery North African-inspired kick, increasing the heat and complexity of the original recipe.

FAQs

• What makes chicken shawarma different from other grilled chicken dishes?

Chicken shawarma stands out due to its unique Middle Eastern spice blend, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which create a complex, aromatic flavor profile that’s distinctly different from typical marinades.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended because they’re more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

• Is marinating really necessary for this recipe?

Absolutely! Marinating for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows the spices to penetrate the meat, creating deeper, more intense flavors and helping to tenderize the chicken.

• How spicy is this chicken shawarma?

The recipe is mild with warm spices, not hot. The spice blend offers rich, aromatic flavors without significant heat, making it suitable for most palates. If you want more kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Chicken Shawarma With Garlic Sauce You’ll Want on Everything

• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adapt this dish for different dietary preferences by swapping proteins, using gluten-free bread, or adding extra veggies for a personalized meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinate chicken in advance, cook in batches, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week in wraps, salads, or grain bowls for convenient, delicious eating.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Key protein with rich flavor, best when boneless and skinless.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for sauce with tangy profile, full-fat version recommended.

• Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon: Warm and complex spice blend creating authentic shawarma flavor profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Marinade base providing moisture and bright citrus notes, extra virgin olive oil suggested.
• Garlic: Fresh and pungent flavor enhancer for both marinade and sauce, use fresh cloves for best taste.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to garlic sauce, use full-fat version.

• Pita Bread or Flatbreads: Soft carrier for chicken, warm before serving.
• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumbers: Fresh vegetables adding crunch and freshness to the dish.

Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Prep

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir the ingredients until they form a harmonious mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Deliciousness

Submerge chicken thighs or breasts completely in the marinade, massaging the spices into every nook and cranny.

Seal the bowl and let the chicken hibernate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to get cozy and intense.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken into a Culinary Masterpiece

Fire up your grill or oven to a sizzling medium-high temperature.

Grilling method: Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through with beautiful char marks.

Oven method: Crank the temperature to 425°F, spread chicken on a lined baking sheet, and roast for 25-30 minutes until perfectly done.

Step 4: Craft the Irresistible Garlic Cream

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Whisk until silky smooth, tasting and adjusting seasonings to your preference.

Chill the sauce until mealtime.

Step 5: Assemble Your Flavor Bomb

Slice the succulent chicken into tantalizing strips.

Nestle the chicken into warm pita bread or flatbreads.

Add a colorful array of fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers.

Drizzle generously with the dreamy garlic cream sauce.

Shawarma Tips for Juicy Chicken and Garlic Sauce

• Allow chicken to soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderizing effect.
• Achieve beautiful char marks by grilling chicken on medium-high heat, creating delicious caramelized edges and enhanced taste.
• Balance garlic sauce by gradually adding lemon juice and adjusting salt, ensuring a smooth, tangy complement to the spiced chicken.
• Use meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or try plant-based alternatives like tofu or seitan for dietary preferences without losing authentic shawarma flavor profile.

Garlic Chicken Shawarma Storage

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Warm chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Flavor Matches for Chicken Shawarma

• Savor Perfect Flavor Companions
• Unleash Crisp White Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich chicken shawarma's spices, refreshing the palate with its bright, zesty notes and herbaceous undertones.
• Complement Herbal Mediterranean Sides: Fresh tabbouleh salad with parsley, mint, and bulgur wheat provides a cool, light contrast to the warm, spiced chicken, balancing the meal's intense flavors.
• Elevate with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Crisp pickled turnips or quick-pickled red onions add a sharp, acidic punch that enhances the shawarma's deep, smoky spice profile and cuts through the creamy garlic sauce.
• Enhance with Cooling Drink Companion: Ayran, a traditional Middle Eastern yogurt drink, mirrors the garlic sauce's creaminess while offering a refreshing, salty counterpoint to the spiced chicken.

Flavor-Packed Chicken Shawarma with Velvety Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic meets street-food charm in our signature Chicken Shawarma, a culinary journey through aromatic spices and tender grilled meat. Garlic sauce and warm pita bread complete this irresistible dish that brings Middle Eastern flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, zesty citrus, and rich olive oil in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the spice-laden liquid, ensuring every crevice absorbs the intense flavor profile.
3. Allow the marinated protein to rest and develop complexity in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, ideally overnight.
4. Heat a grill or oven to medium-high temperature, preparing for optimal caramelization and char.
5. Grill chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
6. Alternatively, roast chicken in a preheated 425°F oven on a lined baking sheet, cooking until edges crisp and meat is thoroughly cooked.
7. While chicken transforms, create a silky garlic sauce by blending tangy yogurt, creamy mayonnaise, minced garlic, and bright lemon juice.
8. Season the sauce delicately, tasting and adjusting for perfect balance.
9. Slice the succulent, spice-infused chicken into elegant strips.
10. Assemble by nestling chicken within warm pita bread, layering with crisp vegetables like lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers.
11. Generously drizzle the velvety garlic sauce over the assembled shawarma, enhancing each bite with creamy richness.

Notes

• Marinate Overnight: Let the chicken soak in the spices for maximum flavor absorption, transforming ordinary meat into a taste explosion.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing cumin, paprika, and turmeric to match personal heat preferences.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options without compromising the rich Mediterranean taste profile.
• Sauce Storage: Prepare garlic sauce ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg