Experience the delicious flavors of the Middle East with this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings your taste buds to life through vibrant spices and creamy garlic sauce. Perfectly marinated grilled chicken is wrapped in warm pita bread, making it a delightful choice for a quick lunch or an easy dinner. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want to treat yourself, this recipe has got you covered! The combination of juicy chicken and rich sauces creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Shawarma:
  • 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their higher fat content, which results in a moister end product.
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, preferably extra virgin for its richer flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend (see tips for a recipe). This can include spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom for authenticity.
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, which helps tenderize the meat and adds a delightful creaminess.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, known for its earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika, for its mild sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, which offers an appealing golden hue and health benefits.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, enhancing the flavor profile of the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, contributing a subtle onion essence.
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander, adding a citrus hint to the marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, for a touch of heat.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, providing acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
• For the Garlic Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise, which serves as the base for this creamy sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced, for a pungent and flavorful kick.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, which brightens the sauce.
  • Salt to taste, ensuring seasoning is just right for your palate.
• Toppings and Wrap:
  • Pita bread or flatbreads, which serve as the perfect vehicle for your delicious fillings.
  • Chopped fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor.
  • Sliced cucumbers, providing a refreshing crunch.
  • Tomatoes, diced, for sweetness and juiciness.
  • Pickles, which add a tangy bite to the wrap.
  • Onions, thinly sliced, for an additional layer of flavor.

Note: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs are recommended for juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, skinless chicken breast can work, although it may require careful cooking to avoid dryness. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, shawarma spice blend, yogurt, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a paste. The marinade should be thick enough to adhere to the chicken without dripping.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary. This sauce is best made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to create a nice sear on the chicken, which will lock in moisture and flavor.
5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Look for a nice char on the outside, which adds depth to the flavor.
6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices, keeping the chicken tender. Avoid cutting into it immediately, as it will release juices.
7. Slice the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips. The thinner the slices, the easier they will wrap in the pita and the more they will absorb the garlic sauce.
8. Assemble the Shawarma Wrap: Place a few slices of chicken on a pita bread. Top with garlic sauce, fresh parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Wrap tightly to prevent any fillings from falling out. A tight wrap ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce warm, alongside additional garlic sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair it with a side of crispy fries or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store leftover shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in the microwave before serving. To prevent sogginess, consider reheating in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be. This is particularly convenient for meal prepping or planning a gathering.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Remember, chicken continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so aim for a couple of degrees below the target temperature.
• Pro Tip: For added smokiness, consider using a charcoal grill and soaking wood chips in water before adding them to the grill. This will infuse the chicken with a rich, smoky flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Variations

If you want to customize your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, consider these options: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with marinated grilled mushrooms or a hearty plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. These alternatives can absorb the marinade well and provide a satisfying texture.
• Gluten-Free: Serve the chicken over a salad or in gluten-free wraps instead of pita bread. This option allows you to enjoy the flavors without gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Variations: Add a hint of heat by including chili powder in the marinade or serve with a spicy harissa sauce. This can elevate the dish and cater to those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.

Print

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Middle Eastern Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

1 hr

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

400 kcal

Experience the delicious flavors of the Middle East with this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings your taste buds to life through vibrant spices and creamy garlic sauce. Perfectly marinated grilled chicken is wrapped in warm pita bread, making it a delightful choice for a quick lunch or an easy dinner.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice for the sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced cucumbers
• Diced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Thinly sliced onions

Directions

1.

In a bowl, combine olive oil, shawarma spice blend, yogurt, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a paste.

2.

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

3.

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning as necessary.

4.

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

5.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

6.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

7.

Using a sharp knife, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.

8.

Place a few slices of chicken on a pita bread. Top with garlic sauce, fresh parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Wrap tightly.

9.

Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce warm, alongside additional garlic sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 400 kcal