The tantalizing aroma of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce fills the air, wrapping you in a warm hug of spice and flavor. With its tender, marinated chicken and luscious sauce, this dish transforms any mealtime into a culinary celebration.
Picture yourself biting into a juicy piece of chicken, perfectly seasoned and complemented by a drizzle of creamy garlic goodness. It’s an explosion of flavors that dances on your taste buds, making any occasion feel like a feast. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers incredible flavor while being surprisingly easy to make from scratch
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings, it can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or on its own
I remember the first time I made Chicken Shawarma for my friends; they devoured every bite and begged for the recipe. Their reactions made me realize this dish was a true crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal tenderness; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack the best flavor; don’t skimp on this fragrant delight.
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Yogurt: Opt for plain yogurt to help tenderize the chicken while adding creaminess to the marinade.
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Ground Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Paprika): These spices create a warm flavor profile; choose high-quality ones for better results.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for marinating the chicken and drizzling over before grilling.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
For the Sauce:
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Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess; use full-fat mayonnaise for rich flavor.
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More Garlic: Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic when making a creamy sauce!
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Lemon Juice (again): A splash adds zing to balance the richness of the mayo.
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Dill or Parsley: Fresh herbs add color and freshness; choose whichever you prefer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare your kitchen because we’re diving into an epic Chicken Shawarma adventure!
Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and spices in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly with this flavorful mixture. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight if you have time.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Heat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spraying grill grates with nonstick spray helps prevent sticking.
Sear Those Breasts: Place marinated chicken on the grill or baking sheet. Grill each side until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Slicing Time! Once cooked, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips—this helps retain juiciness.
The Grand Assembly: Serve sliced shawarma with creamy garlic sauce drizzled generously over top. Pair with pita bread or wrap it all up in lettuce leaves for a fresh twist!
Now you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- This chicken shawarma recipe is a flavor explosion, perfect for impressing guests
- The garlic sauce’s creaminess contrasts beautifully with the spices, creating a delicious pairing
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it enhances tenderness and infuses rich flavors that are simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Then, sear it on high heat for maximum flavor before finishing in the oven. This method locks in moisture while achieving that lovely char we all crave.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices based on your preference. Try smoked paprika instead of regular or add some cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can even toss in grilled veggies for a colorful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy chicken, use bone-in thighs instead of breasts; they stay moist and flavorful
- Always slice against the grain for tender bites, and don’t rush marinating time; it makes a significant difference in flavor
I remember serving this chicken shawarma at a family gathering, and everyone asked for seconds. Seeing their smiles made all my cooking efforts worthwhile!
FAQ
What kind of chicken works best for shawarma?
Bone-in, skinless thighs provide more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts do.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and cook when ready.
How do I serve chicken shawarma?
Serve it wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy garlic sauce on top.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, this juicy chicken is topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat grill to medium-high or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle creamy garlic sauce over sliced chicken and enjoy with pita bread or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 oz (140g) of chicken with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
