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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
