The savory aroma of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce wafts through the air, promising a delightful experience that tantalizes your taste buds. Picture the tender chicken marinated in a symphony of spices, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with creamy garlic sauce. It’s a dish that beckons you to the table like a siren song. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

I remember the first time I tasted Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce at a bustling food market. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas wrapped around me like a warm hug, instantly making my mouth water. Since then, this dish has become a staple for gatherings and cozy family dinners alike. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma is easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a family night in
Its flavor profile is rich and complex, with layers of spice dancing on your palate
The visual appeal will make your dinner table pop with color and excitement
Versatile enough for wraps, plates, or salads, this dish adapts to any occasion seamlessly

The last time I made this dish, my friends declared me the “Shawarma Queen,” and let’s just say that crown still sits proudly on my head.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work perfectly; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to the marinade; go for plain, full-fat yogurt for the best results.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential; minced garlic elevates the flavor profile of both chicken and sauce.
Cumin: A warm spice that brings earthiness to the marinade; always use ground cumin for consistency.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth; it gives the chicken a lovely color and smoky note.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for marinating; it infuses richness into every bite.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t skimp on these basics.

For the Sauce:

Mayonnaise: A creamy base that balances garlic’s intensity; choose a quality brand for maximum flavor.
Lemon Juice (again): Adds tanginess to cut through richness; fresh juice is key here as well.
Dried Dill or Parsley: Provides an herbal note; choose based on your preference or availability.
Salt and Pepper (again): Adjust these seasonings in the sauce to suit your taste buds perfectly!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

The Marinade Magic: Start by mixing together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. This marinade should smell heavenly!

Coat the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts into a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour that glorious marinade over them and ensure they’re well-coated. Let them soak up those flavors in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better!

The Grill Time: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot enough to sizzle when you add meat, toss those marinated chicken breasts onto it! Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown—and don’t forget to enjoy that aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Slicing It Up: After cooking, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This step ensures tenderness in every bite—trust me on this!

The Garlic Sauce: While waiting for chicken to rest, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice again (yes!), dill or parsley if using, salt, and pepper in another bowl until smooth—a perfect creamy partner for our shawarma!

Add that sliced chicken back onto warm pita bread or plates along with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers—whatever toppings you desire! Drizzle generously with garlic sauce before digging into this flavorful feast.

Now you have all you need to create an unforgettable Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce experience! Enjoy every bite while basking in the glory of your culinary triumph.

You Must Know

Chicken shawarma with garlic sauce is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey
The layers of spices create an aroma that fills the kitchen, and the crispy chicken adds a delightful crunch
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Then, sear it in a hot pan before finishing it in the oven to ensure juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for beef or veggies. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cumin to elevate your shawarma experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring the chicken stays crispy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Marinate your chicken longer for deeper flavor; don’t rush this step
Always use high heat when searing to develop that perfect crust
Serve with fresh veggies and warm pita for a complete meal experience

Cooking this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce reminds me of my friend’s epic dinner parties, where we all piled our plates high and devoured everything without a trace left behind.

FAQ

Why is marinating important for chicken shawarma with garlic sauce?

Marinating infuses flavors deeply into the meat, resulting in juicier and tastier chicken.

Can I make chicken shawarma with garlic sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and marinate the chicken a day before cooking for enhanced flavor.

What sides pair well with chicken shawarma with garlic sauce?

Serve it alongside tabbouleh, hummus, or fresh pita bread for a delicious meal.

Savory Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

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Author: Lena
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the mouthwatering delight of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, a dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with a creamy garlic flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With vibrant colors and bold flavors, it offers versatile serving options in wraps, salads, or simply on a plate. Enjoy diving into this culinary journey where every bite transports you to a bustling food market.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp smoked paprika
Juice of 2 lemons
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp dried dill or parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill or parsley (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve sliced chicken in warm pita bread or plates topped with garlic sauce and desired accompaniments like lettuce and tomatoes.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approx. 250g)
Calories: 460
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe