Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 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; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Tender marinated chicken strips are grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce that adds a delicious zing.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with pieces of grilled chicken that have a dark, crispy, and charred surface. The chicken pieces sit on a base that looks like a soft, golden-brown flatbread. Over the chicken, fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled. A creamy, white sauce speckled with herbs is being poured from above by a woman's hand, dripping over the chicken and adding a smooth contrast to the rough texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground paprika
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the garlic sauce:

Mayonnaise (quantity as needed)
Minced garlic (to taste)
Lemon juice (to taste)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
Step 3: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust garlic and lemon juice to your taste for extra 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 with garlic sauce and accompanied by fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter garlic sauce.
Marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavors even more.
Serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

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 skillet or microwave until warmed through. Garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A white flatbread pocket filled with multiple pieces of browned grilled chicken, showing crispy edges and tender insides, placed on a white marbled surface. The chicken is topped with scattered chopped fresh green herbs. A woman's hand is pouring a thick, creamy white sauce with black specks over the chicken, coating parts of the meat and herbs, giving a rich and moist look to the dish. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the food and sauce. 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; however, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating overnight allows the spices to fully penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more intense flavor.