Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that bursts with bold Middle Eastern flavors and a creamy twist, then you’re going to love this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe. Tender strips of marinated chicken, infused with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, get grilled to perfection and paired with a luscious, garlicky sauce that takes every bite to another level. This recipe brings together vibrant colors, tantalizing textures, and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed experience. Each ingredient plays a vital role whether it’s contributing smokiness, tanginess, or creaminess, making this dish both approachable and unforgettable.

• 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, cut into strips for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Helps coat the chicken evenly and enhances the grilling process for perfect browning.
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and is a cornerstone spice in shawarma flavor profiles.
• 1 teaspoon of ground paprika: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant red color.
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden hue and a hint of bitterness that balances the spices.
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander: Introduces a citrusy, floral note that brightens the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, slightly sweet undertone that is unexpected but essential.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with pungent, aromatic punch.
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Brings acidity to tenderize the meat and add fresh zing.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: The foundation of seasoning, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
• 1 cup of mayonnaise: The creamy base for the garlic sauce that smooths out the spice.
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic (for garlic sauce): For a bold, garlicky kick in the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (for garlic sauce): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayo.
• Salt to taste (for garlic sauce): Fine-tunes the sauce seasoning for maximum flavor harmony.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This combination is the magic mix that delivers classic shawarma flavor with every bite. Add the chicken strips and stir to coat them thoroughly. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, but if you can spare the time, marinating overnight makes the flavor truly spectacular.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill or Pan

While your chicken is soaking up those beautiful spices, preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. A well-heated surface ensures a nice sear, locking in juices and developing that golden brown crust that’s so appealing. Adding just a few drops of oil to your pan helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra crispness to the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken strips on the grill or in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is evenly browned and thoroughly cooked through. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. The aroma as it cooks will have your kitchen smelling like your favorite Middle Eastern eatery.

Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Sauce

While the chicken finishes cooking, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This sauce is where creaminess meets pungent garlic flavor, creating the perfect complement to the spiced chicken. Taste and adjust the garlic intensity or lemon juice as you like, because this sauce is the soul of the dish.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest a few minutes. Resting keeps the juices locked inside, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Then slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready to be nestled into pita or served on a platter with your garlic sauce drizzled generously over top.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really elevate this dish to something extraordinary. Try vibrant parsley, thinly sliced onions soaked in lemon juice for tang, or a sprinkle of sumac to add a slight tangy note that pairs beautifully with the garlic sauce. Pickled turnips or a few slices of cucumber add a cool, crunchy contrast, making every bite fresh and balanced.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe shines alongside simple, refreshing sides. Classic choices include a bright tabbouleh salad, fluffy basmati rice, or roasted vegetables seasoned lightly with za’atar. These pairs keep the meal well-rounded, colorful, and packed with textures that complement the richness of the shawarma.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the usual pita wrap? Load the sliced chicken and garlic sauce onto a bed of warm couscous or quinoa, then sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs for a chic presentation. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a flatbread pizza crust topped with grilled veggies and a drizzle of the garlic sauce for a fun fusion twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will continue to absorb the marinade flavors, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to keep the garlic sauce separate if possible to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

If you want to keep the shawarma longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooked, cooled chicken strips in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. The garlic sauce is best prepared fresh but can be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, covering to retain moisture. Be careful not to overcook as it can dry out the chicken. Once warmed, add a fresh drizzle of garlic sauce to bring back that mouthwatering creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, chicken breasts work well for a leaner option. Just be sure to not overcook them to keep the meat tender and moist.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

At a minimum, 30 minutes is needed to impart decent flavor, but for the richest taste, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is ideal. The longer marination lets the spices deeply penetrate, making every bite more flavorful.

Is the garlic sauce served cold or warm?

The garlic sauce in this recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature. Its cool creaminess provides a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced chicken, balancing heat and richness beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you serve it without pita or with gluten-free bread or wraps. Just double-check any packaged seasonings to ensure no gluten-containing additives.

What are some vegetarian alternatives to the chicken in this recipe?

For a vegetarian twist, try substituting marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms, cauliflower florets, or seitan strips. These options soak up the spices well and pair wonderfully with the garlic sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels both comforting and exotic, the Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its blend of warm spices, juicy chicken, and creamy garlic sauce creates a flavor party that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. So grab those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a delicious trip to the Middle East right in your own kitchen!

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken strips grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe brings authentic shawarma flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

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For the Chicken Shawarma

• 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

For the Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all spices and ingredients evenly.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to overnight to allow the flavors to deeply permeate the meat.
3. Preheat Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the hot grill or pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
5. Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning or garlic intensity as preferred.
6. Rest and Slice: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the pieces into bite-sized strips ready for serving.
7. Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken on pita bread or a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the garlic sauce and accompany with fresh vegetables, pickled turnips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts for this recipe.
• You can customize the garlic sauce by adding a little yogurt for a lighter texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant taste.
• Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve shawarma with warm pita or flatbread for a traditional experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern