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Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of homemade Chicken Shawarma, a Middle Eastern delight that bursts with flavor and aroma

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Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Plating Your Dish:
Presentation is important. Arrange your chicken beautifully, add color with fresh salads, and drizzle your garlic sauce artfully to create an inviting meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Experimenting with Ingredients:
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different meats, such as beef or lamb, or even a vegetarian option with seasoned roasted vegetables. Shawarma is versatile and can cater to many tastes.
Using Spices Wisely:
Understanding how to balance spices is key. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or omitting spices for a milder flavor.
Garnishing:
Garnish your shawarma with fresh herbs and additional toppings like pickles or spicy sauces to personalize your dish. This adds not only flavor but also visual appeal.
Storing Leftovers:
To keep your shawarma fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken, ensuring it stays flavorful.
Serving Options:
The shawarma can be served in various ways. Wrap it in pita bread with vegetables or serve it as a platter with rice and sauces. This versatility makes it an easy choice for any meal.
Slicing the Chicken:
After resting, slice the chicken against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Thin slices are ideal for wrapping in pita or serving over rice.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce:
Creating a garlic sauce is simple but essential. Whisk mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. This sauce not only complements the shawarma but can also be used as a dip for veggies or chips.
Grilling Techniques:
Grilling adds a unique char and smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to ensure a good sear. Searing the chicken over high heat locks in moisture, resulting in juicy, tender pieces.
Marinating the Chicken:
Marinating your chicken is crucial for infusing flavors. Combine spices with yogurt and oil to create a thick marinade. Allow the chicken to soak up these flavors in the refrigerator for a few hours or ideally overnight.
Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

The Complete Guide to Mastering Delicious Chicken Shawarma

Plating Your Dish:
Presentation is important. Arrange your chicken beautifully, add color with fresh salads, and drizzle your garlic sauce artfully to create an inviting meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Experimenting with Ingredients:
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different meats, such as beef or lamb, or even a vegetarian option with seasoned roasted vegetables. Shawarma is versatile and can cater to many tastes.
Using Spices Wisely:
Understanding how to balance spices is key. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or omitting spices for a milder flavor.
Garnishing:
Garnish your shawarma with fresh herbs and additional toppings like pickles or spicy sauces to personalize your dish. This adds not only flavor but also visual appeal.
Storing Leftovers:
To keep your shawarma fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken, ensuring it stays flavorful.
Serving Options:
The shawarma can be served in various ways. Wrap it in pita bread with vegetables or serve it as a platter with rice and sauces. This versatility makes it an easy choice for any meal.
Slicing the Chicken:
After resting, slice the chicken against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Thin slices are ideal for wrapping in pita or serving over rice.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce:
Creating a garlic sauce is simple but essential. Whisk mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. This sauce not only complements the shawarma but can also be used as a dip for veggies or chips.
Grilling Techniques:
Grilling adds a unique char and smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to ensure a good sear. Searing the chicken over high heat locks in moisture, resulting in juicy, tender pieces.
Marinating the Chicken:
Marinating your chicken is crucial for infusing flavors. Combine spices with yogurt and oil to create a thick marinade. Allow the chicken to soak up these flavors in the refrigerator for a few hours or ideally overnight.
Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Shawarma
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or fresh herbs to personalize your shawarma.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the garlic sauce for a lighter option.
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping; cook extra chicken and store it in portions for quick lunches throughout the week.
Always store leftover chicken and sauce separately to maintain freshness and texture.
Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of homemade Chicken Shawarma, a Middle Eastern delight that bursts with flavor and aroma. Featuring juicy chicken marinated in aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this dish becomes a savory masterpiece. The addition of creamy garlic sauce adds a tangy twist, balancing the richness of the meat. Enjoy the delightful contrast of tender, succulent chicken, paired with fresh vegetables like crisp cucumber and tangy tomatoes, all wrapped in a warm pita or flatbread. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a satisfying weekday meal, this recipe evokes a sense of comfort and joy. With every bite, you’ll appreciate the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors that can transport you to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Make your next meal an unforgettable experience with this delicious Chicken Shawarma and watch your loved ones return for seconds!

Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
Chef
JUE
Category
Main Course
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Yield
4 servings
Dietary
Dairy-Free
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
0% Complete

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:
01
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
02
3 tablespoons olive oil - adds richness and helps the spices adhere.
03
2 tablespoons plain yogurt - tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess.
04
1 tablespoon ground cumin - offers a warm, earthy flavor.
05
1 tablespoon paprika - gives a smoky sweetness.
06
1 teaspoon ground turmeric - contributes color and an earthy aroma.
07
1 teaspoon ground coriander - provides a citrusy note.
08
1 teaspoon garlic powder - intensifies the savory flavors.
09
1 teaspoon salt - enhances all the flavors.
10
1 teaspoon black pepper - adds a mild kick.
For the Garlic Sauce:
11
1/2 cup mayonnaise - creates a creamy base.
12
2 tablespoons lemon juice - adds tanginess to balance the richness.
13
3 cloves garlic, minced - infuses strong, aromatic flavor.
14
1 tablespoon water - adjusts the consistency of the sauce.

Instructions

01
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, yogurt, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
02
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
03
Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it's hot before adding chicken for a good sear.
04
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Place on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
05
Step 5: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
06
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
07
Step 7: Slice the chicken into thin strips, perfect for wrapping or serving over rice.
08
Step 8: Serve the chicken with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.
09
Step 9: Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma with sides like tabbouleh or hummus for a complete meal.
10
Step 10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.