Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines tender marinated chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.

Ingredients

• 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita breads
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced

For Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Step 3: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice thinly.
4. Step 4: Warm pita breads, then fill each with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce.
5. Step 5: Wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade that clings better to the chicken.
• Add pickled vegetables or fresh cucumber slices for added crunch and tang.
• Swap mayo in the garlic sauce for Greek yogurt to make it lighter.

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. Garlic sauce is best used cold and stirred before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they may cook faster and can be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

What can I serve with chicken shawarma?

Chicken shawarma pairs great with rice, tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a complete meal.

Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 66 reviews

This easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delicious and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection and served in warm pita breads with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a creamy homemade garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita breads
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together the mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld and keep it chilled until serving.
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
4. Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita breads briefly in a toaster or on the grill pan. Lay each pita flat and layer it with sliced grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve: Wrap the pita breads around the fillings tightly and serve immediately while warm, sharing this flavorful and satisfying shawarma meal with your loved ones.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours or overnight, will enhance the flavor even more.
• If you prefer, substitute mayonnaise in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sauce.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita to adapt to dietary needs.

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner, Pita Sandwich