Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is an addictive dish that perfectly captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. This generous blend of spices and tender chicken thighs creates a flavorful experience that can easily transport you straight to a bustling street market. I’ve made this dish numerous times to share with family and friends during cozy evenings and gatherings, and it’s always met with delighted smiles and satisfied appetites. The combination of juicy chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with creamy garlic sauce? Absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love Making It

There are countless reasons to add Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce to your meal rotation. First and foremost, it’s a quick and budget-friendly dish. With minimal prep time and ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in less than an hour. Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, casual brunches, or even a festive gathering. Kids adore the fun of assembling their own wraps, while adults appreciate the aromatic spices and distinct flavors.

“This Chicken Shawarma brings my family together! The garlic sauce complements the spices perfectly, and it’s become a favorite in our house.” – Happy Home Cook

Preparing Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Making Chicken Shawarma is simple and incredibly rewarding. You’ll first marinate the chicken to infuse it with bold flavors, followed by grilling or pan-searing until perfectly cooked. The garlic sauce is a breeze to whip up, combining creamy yogurt and tahini with the zesty kick of garlic. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, you’ll need the following essentials:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, onion) for serving

Feel free to substitute chicken with beef or tofu for different flavor profiles!

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by mixing olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned.
5. In another bowl, combine minced garlic, yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice to create a creamy garlic sauce.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and serve it in pita bread or flatbreads, adding fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.

What to Serve It With

For an enjoyable dining experience, pair Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce with a variety of sides. Greek salad, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors beautifully. You can also serve it alongside crispy fries or even a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. Consider setting up a shawarma station where everyone can customize their wraps with their favorite toppings!

Storage Tips

Leftovers from Chicken Shawarma can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place the cooled chicken and garlic sauce in airtight containers to maintain their flavors. When reheating, be sure to use moderate heat to prevent drying out the chicken. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken for up to two months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• For extra tenderness, consider marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight.
• Don’t overcrowd your cooking surface; give each piece enough space to sear properly.
• Experiment with added spices or herbs in the garlic sauce, such as dill or parsley, for a unique twist.

Creative Twists

While the traditional Chicken Shawarma recipe is delicious, you can put your own spin on it! Try adding a touch of harissa for a fiery kick or use grilled vegetables as a topping for a vegetarian variation. You can also swap the tahini with a nut butter for a different flavor profile or serve it with a spicy chili sauce for those who like a little heat.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare Chicken Shawarma?
A: The total time is about an hour, including marination.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.

With its delightful aromas and rich flavors, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll love its return on flavor for minimal effort, and it’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Pin Recipe

Description

An addictive dish capturing the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine with flavorful chicken and creamy garlic sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, onion) for serving

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Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned.
5. In another bowl, combine minced garlic, yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice to create a creamy garlic sauce.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and serve it in pita bread or flatbreads, adding fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.

Notes

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. Customize your wraps with different toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern food, quick dinner, marinated chicken