Imagine biting into tender, juicy Chicken Shawarma, marinated to perfection and topped with a creamy garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. The warm spices mingle with the delectable aroma of grilled meat, transporting you to bustling Middle Eastern markets with every bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey that brings friends and family together. Picture yourself serving it at a summer barbecue or cozy weeknight dinner, where laughter fills the air and everyone is reaching for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is simple to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, appealing to both meat lovers and spice aficionados alike
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it in wraps, salads, or on its own!
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Shawarma for my friends; their faces lit up as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on hunger levels.
Yogurt: A key ingredient for marinating that adds tanginess and tenderness to the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the shawarma an aromatic depth that makes you crave more.
Ground Cumin: This earthy spice adds warmth; don’t skip it for an authentic taste.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for that extra touch of flavor that elevates the dish.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist during cooking while adding richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in this dish.
For the Sauce:
Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the shawarma.
More Garlic!: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It’s essential for bringing out bold flavors in the sauce.
Lemon Zest: A little zest goes a long way in brightening up your garlic sauce.
Salt: Simple seasoning that ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat them well. Let marinate for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare Your Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, lightly oil grates; if baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on the grill or baking sheet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until perfectly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell divine!
Rest Before Slicing: Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step ensures juicy meat by allowing juices to redistribute.
Create Your Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with minced garlic and lemon zest. Add salt to taste. It should be creamy with just enough zing!
Slicing and Serving: Slice your rested chicken into thin strips. Serve it wrapped in pita bread or over rice with fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers alongside that glorious garlic sauce drizzled on top.
Enjoy this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce as part of any gathering—trust me; it’ll steal the show!
You Must Know
- Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure!
- The spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavor that transforms your kitchen into a Middle Eastern market
- The aroma?
- Absolutely intoxicating!
- The best part?
- It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear your chicken first to lock in moisture, then prep your garlic sauce while it cooks for perfect timing and flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option, adding your favorite spices for extra flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven to retain juiciness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, marinate overnight for maximum flavor
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste buds, and always serve with fresh veggies for a crunchy texture contrast
The first time I made Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, my friends declared it “life-changing.” I thought they were exaggerating until they kept asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to your shawarma.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least two hours enhances the flavor significantly; overnight is even better.
What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Pita bread, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with this dish!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Savory Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Chicken Shawarma, marinated to perfection and served with a creamy garlic sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this dish brings friends and family together with its mouthwatering aroma and vibrant presentation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or on its own!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil grill grates or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- For the garlic sauce, mix mayonnaise with minced garlic and lemon zest in a bowl; add salt to taste.
- Slice chicken into thin strips and serve with pita bread or over rice alongside fresh vegetables and garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g) with sauce (30g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
