This Easy Chicken Shawarma comes packed with flavor! Tender chicken is marinated with spices and grilled to perfection, giving you a taste of the Middle East right at home.
And the creamy garlic sauce? It’s the cherry on top! I could drizzle that sauce on everything. Seriously, it makes everything better! Enjoy it with warm pita or a fresh salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs give a juicy texture, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try marinating mushrooms or tofu instead for a hearty meal.
Spices: The combination of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon creates a warm flavor. If you’re missing one, don’t stress! You can mix in a bit of curry powder or garam masala as a substitute for variety.
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut yogurt or a cashew-based option. Mayonnaise works too if you want a different flavor profile.
Tahini: This adds depth to the garlic sauce. If tahini is not available, a splash of peanut butter or simply adding more yogurt will still yield a tasty sauce.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential for boosting flavor. The marination time allows the spices to penetrate the meat, making it tender and tasty. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine spices, oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl to create a flavorful paste.
- Add the sliced chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This is where you’ll start to smell those delicious spices!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Longer marination, like overnight, enhances the flavor even more.
This process not only adds taste but also helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
Cooking the chicken properly makes all the difference. Here’s a simple guide:
- Use a preheated skillet or grill pan to get a nice sear. It helps create a delicious crust.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Look for a golden-brown color on the outside, and check for doneness (165°F internal temperature is ideal).
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This way, it retains all those lovely juices!
Feel free to personalize the recipes based on your taste. Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Water, to thin as needed
Optional to Serve:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
- Fresh parsley
- Pickled vegetables or hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (up to overnight for best results). Cooking the chicken will take about 15 minutes. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl, tossing it well to ensure each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight!
2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, make the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, minced garlic, tahini (if you’re using it), fresh lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water until it reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve!
3. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and nicely charred around the edges. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan!
4. Assemble the Shawarma:
Once the chicken is cooked, warm your pita or flatbread. Layer the cooked chicken on the bread, and add your favorite fresh sliced vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions). Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and sprinkle fresh parsley or pickles on top if you’d like.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma immediately while it’s warm! You can also serve it with extra creamy garlic sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster; you’ll want to check them for doneness a bit earlier.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally 3-4 hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be!
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving, adding a little water if it thickens up.
How Do I Store Leftover Shawarma?
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. The creamy garlic sauce can also be stored separately. For best results, consume the leftovers within those 3 days!
